Indoor Air Quality Products & Services in Springfield, Ohio
Home comfort and Indoor Air Quality are intimately tied together. Because they are so strongly inter-related, we at Springfield Heating & Cooling offer residents throughout Greater Springfield and Greater Cincinnati a wide selection of products and services to improve their indoor air quality and create a safer, cleaner, and healthier environment for all.
This is especially important when you consider the amount of time people spend inside their homes and work places. In an ever-changing world where airborne viruses can kill, indoor air quality is all the more important. We at Springfield Heating & Cooling realize this better than anyone. We offer products and solutions that not only target the obvious sources of indoor air pollution (like cooking, cleaning and usual daily activities), but also the stuff that isn’t so obvious floating around in your air supply — things like bacteria, viruses and mold, which are known to be harmful.
Indoor Air Quality Products & Services
What is Indoor Air Quality
As suggested by the name, “Indoor Air Quality” is a term referring to the quality of air inside buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the overall health, comfort and well-being of the home or building’s occupants. In residential dwellings here in the Miami Valley, this includes the people who live in the home as well as the people who are visiting. Everyone breathes the same air. While comfort is a top priority, far too few keep IAQ a priority like they need it to be.
Recent studies from EPA indicate indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This increase in indoor pollution is likely due to the fact that most modern day building practices, in addition to things being used in homes. Modern building practices are designed to save money and to be as energy efficient as possible, keeping heated and air conditioned air inside. Today’s homes are constructed airtight with more insulation than ever before.
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
The answer to that is not enough people. Nevertheless, more and more homeowners and business owners are catching on. They understand that their indoor air quality is something that needs to be addressed. They realize it can be enhanced, and if you have indoor air pollution in the home, it can be removed.
In fact, indoor air pollution can be more of a health concern than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is often, a lot higher than levels of air pollution outside the home. Overall, there are three main reasons why indoor air quality is more of a health concern throughout the nation:
- The average American spends 90% of their time inside.
- Harmful chemicals are used inside the home in building materials, cleaning solutions, furnishings, cooking, pesticides, smoking and personal hygiene products.
- Modern dwellings are constructed air tight and often lack adequate ventilation.
6 Reasons Why You Might Need To Improve Your Air Quality
The health effects of poor indoor air quality or poor indoor air pollution range from minor to serious, depending on the type of problem and the situation. Health effects can include nausea, headaches, tiredness, dizziness, itchy nose, irritated eyes, and scratchy throat. The symptoms usually go away when the person leaves the building or room.
- Humidity Issues — Too little humidity and you may suffer effects of dryness. Too much humidity and you may find mold or mildew in the home. You can regulate these levels with a Humidifier.
- Uneven Temperatures — Cold and warm spots may be a sign of poor air quality.
- Foul Odors — Nasty odors could be a sign of mildew or mold growth, which infiltrates the air you breathe.
- Excessive Dust — Excessive dust buildup typically means you have a clogged air filter that needs to be replaced.
- Getting Sick Often — If you or your family are getting sick more regularly, this could be a sign of irritants in the air of your home, which are more concentrated in enclosed spaces.
4 Benefits of Good IAQ
Improved Sleep
Healthy indoor air quality means a person is less likely to become sick. This also helps to improve your overall rest and reduces stress. All of this improves sleep. Additionally, having cooler temperatures also enable us to sleep better. It’s natural for our bodies to relax in cooler temperatures, so having a good air conditioner that takes care of your indoor air quality will take you a long way.
Reduces Utility Costs
Managing your indoor air quality can help you to lower your utility costs. By improving ventilation and air filtration, homeowners and commercial building owners can save you money on your energy bills. The EPA says that the cost of running an HVAC system is about 20 to 40 percent less than the cost for an inefficient unit.
Healthier Home Environment
Managing indoor air quality can make your home a much healthier place. When pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants are present within the home, they can lead to a wide range of adverse health effects. This includes aggravating existing conditions such as asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. By controlling the air quality indoors, it is possible. Springfield Heating & Cooling offers Greater Springfield a whole line of A/C systems with advanced dehumidifying features that makes breathing easier all year long.
Remove Pollutants & Allergens
When we are allergic to something, it’s our body’s natural way of saying it can’t tolerate whatever it’s taking in, or breathing in. That means, the more someone gets exposed to airborne allergens, the more likely they are to become ill. Proper air quality enables the body to recover properly. This way you’ll be at your best when you do go outdoors.
Warning Signs of Poor IAQ
Frequent Allergies & Illness
Every homeowner should be aware of the potential health risks associated with poor indoor air quality. According to the EPA, short-term symptoms can range from minor irritations such as eye and throat irritation, all the way up to dizziness and headaches. Poor indoor air quality in is especially problematic for those already suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions – though everyone may feel some sort of effect over time due to prolonged exposure if not addressed properly! Take note when your own physical well-being seems impacted by being at home rather than away; it could be indicative that changes need to made toward improving your indoor environment – don’t risk long-term damage down the line!
Dust Buildup on Surfaces
Do you find yourself dusting your home more frequently than normal? This could mean that the air quality in your residence is worse than usual. Pollutants heavier than air tend to settle on surfaces, meaning they won’t stay suspended indoors forever – and as a result, many places with strong airflow may have noticeably increased levels of debris buildup or dust accumulation near their registers and vent outlets. To assess if this is true at yours, check either for visible dirt build-up around these areas first; if clean furnace filters are unable to help afterward then it might be necessary to consider having ductwork cleaned out!
Musty Odor
Strong musty odors should be taken seriously: they can signify a mold problem in your home. In particular, if you notice this suspicious smell near vent registers or while running the HVAC system, it’s important to act quickly as exposure to microbial compounds released by mold growth may cause nausea, headaches and fatigue. To ensure everyone stays healthy in the long run, don’t hesitate – take action now!
Air Circulation Problems
A poorly performing HVAC system could be letting unwanted impurities into your home, leading to skin irritation and other discomfort. If you’re experiencing low airflow through the vents or find evidence of air leaks in ductwork, contact us for help immediately. We will work towards ensuring that everything is running properly so that clean air circulates inside. Additionally, a faulty blower fan could prevent adequate purification from taking place; our team can take a look at any necessary adjustments with relative speed!
General Indoor Air Quality FAQ
What are symptoms of poor indoor air quality?
Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of concerning health issues like fatigue, shortness of breath, sinuses and headaches. In addition to these ailments you may experience an unpleasant odor in the house or have to constantly replace your air filters. Lastly extreme humidity levels can lead to problems sleeping as well as static electricity shocks!
How do I improve my indoor air quality?
Start by testing your indoor air quality. After you’ve had a professional at Springfield Heating & Cooling test your air quality, you’ll want to look at source control and remove individual sources of indoor pollution or at least reduce their emissions. Some sources, such as those that contain asbestos, can be sealed or enclosed. Other sources, such as gas stoves, can be adjusted to reduce emissions.
Why is indoor air quality so important?
Poor indoor air quality can lead to more than just an unpleasant smell; it may cause fatigue, headaches, sinuses and difficulty breathing. Even issues like static electricity or sleep problems could be signs of inadequate ventilation or humidity levels. Frequent filter changes are one indication that the air needs improving – otherwise you might find yourself struggling with serious health concerns!
