Is Your Air Making You Sick? How To Improve Indoor Air Quality in Houston

Have you ever wondered why your house doesn’t feel as fresh in the winter as it does the rest of the year? That is because indoor air quality (IAQ) can worsen in the winter because our homes are sealed up to conserve heat. This traps pollutants like dust, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside. It is important for us to be aware of IAQ, because ignoring it can lead to health issues like headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. It can also aggravate symptoms of existing conditions like asthma.

Things that impact your IAQ include:

• Trapped pollutants: Pollutants like dust, mold, and VOCs are trapped inside when homes are sealed up.
• Dry air: Heating systems can dry out the air, which can irritate the eyes and nose.

You may be asking, why does this matter? How does this impact me. The answer is that poor IAQ can lead to:

• Increased risk of health challenges: Pollutants can increase the risk of respiratory challenges.
• More polluted air than outdoor air: Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Don’t worry, there are things that you can do to improve your IAQ. They are not expensive, and they are easy to do.

• Improve ventilation: Open windows to ventilate your home regularly.
• Use a filter: Use a filter with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating to remove harmful particulates.
• Use an air purifier: An active air purifier can create scrubbing molecules that take apart viruses, bacteria, and mold spores.
• Clean regularly: Develop a weekly cleaning schedule to eliminate allergens.
  • Use natural cleaning products: Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals. Making the switch to natural alternatives not only promotes clean indoor air but also contributes to a healthier home environment for you and your family. Look for cleaning products labeled “green” or “eco-friendly.” These typically contain plant-based ingredients and fewer synthetic chemicals.
  • Keep houseplants: Certain indoor plants have been proven to act as air fresheners by absorbing airborne toxins as part of the photosynthesis process. The list of top purifying house plants includes peace lilies, chrysanthemums, spider plants, snake plants, and aloe vera. Placing some of these in areas with limited ventilation can significantly improve indoor air quality test readings.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
  • Clean your air ducts: Every 2-3 years you should have your air ducts fully cleaned.

As you can see, indoor air quality is important for good health. It is something that we should all be aware of and we should make a priority in our homes. Thankfully, it is not difficult to manage, and it is not expensive to maintain.

If you are having trouble with your HVAC system, our team at Velocity Air is here to help. Whether you need routine maintenance, quick repairs, or a full system replacement, we will keep your HVAC running efficiently and safely, so your home stays comfortable no matter the Texas weather.

We provide expert Houston HVAC repair services, Houston HVAC installation services, and Houston HVAC preventive maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all season long. Velocity Air is proud to provide Houston HVAC services, including maintenance, emergency repair, and installation, to the Greater Houston Area.