Many people assume that they’re primarily exposed to harmful pathogens and substances when they’re outside. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that air pollutants indoors are two to five times higher than those outside. There are many things you might not be aware of that are contributing to these higher levels.

Each year, you must test your indoor air quality before summer in St. James City. You want to ensure that the air you, your loved ones, and your furry friends are breathing is safe. Failure to conduct routine maintenance and tests each year could have hazardous health effects.

This guide will go over the reasons why you need to have your indoor air quality tested. We’ll also discuss why you should partner with an experienced HVAC company in St. James City for these services.

Improved Health Benefits

Many indoor air pollutants can wreak havoc on your respiratory health. Some of the most common harmful substances you can find inside your home include:

• Radon
• Mildew and mold
• Chemical residues
• Volatile organic compounds
• Asbestos
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Dust mites
• Allergens

Over time, these items can accumulate to hazardous levels. Indoor air quality tests for the presence of these substances and how many of them are present. Negative health effects from these items can include a wide range of symptoms, such as:

• Headaches
• Scratchy throat
• Sneezing
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Nasal irritation

You might think that you have allergies, the flu, or a cold if you’re exhibiting the above symptoms. In reality, you might be suffering from poor indoor air quality.

Testing the air inside your home will let you know what substances are present. You can take preventative measures, such as improving your home’s ventilation, to alleviate your symptoms. A qualified HVAC company can also update or service your ductwork to fix the airflow.

Fix Seasonal Problems

Seasons and times of year can also impact your indoor air quality. One of the reasons you need to have a test performed before summer is because of the temperature levels. Outside temperatures reach an all-time high during June, July, and August.

While pollen levels decrease during summer, humidity, mold, and dust levels will increase. These rising levels will affect your indoor air. This is especially true for those who haven’t had their ventilation systems cleaned.

Your HVAC unit can blow dust through the air ducts in your home. Lower indoor humidity levels than outdoors can affect people who have sinus problems.

Your indoor air quality should be tested and your HVAC system cleaned and maintained before summer hits. Don’t risk exacerbating the negative side effects of poor air quality because your air conditioner is recirculating bad air.

Increase the Efficiency of Your HVAC System

Many air quality problems are caused by poor ventilation. Your cooling system can work harder if it isn’t ventilated properly. Your energy bills will rise as more strain is put on your air conditioner.

Testing your air quality will let you know if you have a problem going on with your HVAC unit. If you have poor air quality, the technician can evaluate your system. They can fix any issues that might be occurring, improving the efficiency of your unit and decreasing your energy bills.

Feel More Comfortable

Each person reacts differently to poor air quality. However, the negative symptoms associated with it can be very uncomfortable. Nobody wants to spend their days with itchy eyes or a dull headache.

You should pay attention to any negative side effects you might experience. Note if they only occur in specific rooms or areas of your home. You can let the HVAC technician know when they come for an air quality test to see if your symptoms are worse in certain places.

The technician will also test the humidity levels. Indoor humidity should be around 30-50%. Levels higher than that amount can increase mold production and leave you feeling sticky and warm.

On the flip side, low humidity levels can have the following effects:

• More viruses and colds
• Dry skin
• Static electricity

An indoor air quality test will identify what’s making you feel uncomfortable. Discover what steps you need to take to improve it.

Reduce Odors

Many indoor pollutants give off a bad smell. Some of these smells include:

• Mold
• Rodent droppings
• Smoke
• Combustion products
• Pets

The source of these unpleasant smells might not be obvious. They can be hidden inside your HVAC ductwork. You won’t know what’s causing the bad smell unless you have an HVAC technician evaluate your system.

Foul smells make living in your home unbearable. They could also be indicative of more serious problems that are harmful to your safety and health. A cleaner smell is more inviting to you and your guests.

Get a Clear Picture of Your Home’s Health

Several types of pollutants are evaluated during an indoor air quality test. These include:

• Combustion pollutants
• Volatile Organic Compounds or chemicals
• Biological

Household maintenance can remedy a lot of these issues if you have high levels of certain pollutants. For example, you can remove lead-based paint or asbestos popcorn ceiling.

As we mentioned earlier, many air quality issues are caused by poor ventilation. An experienced HVAC technician will look for ways to bring your levels down. This often includes cleaning, updating, and maintaining your HVAC unit and the associated ductwork.

Get Help Testing Your Indoor Air Quality Before Summer

Summers in Florida get hot and humid, causing many people to stay indoors for several months. Ensure your indoor air quality is free from harmful pathogens by testing it before you’re trapped inside. Partner with a reliable company for HVAC services in Florida.

Florida Cooling Solutions is the leading provider of HVAC services in the St. James City area. We’ll clean your HVAC system and test your air quality before the summer months. Contact us to schedule a consultation.