Whether you’re a responsible homeowner or a safety-oriented business owner, thinking about the indoor air quality of your building can impact everything from focus to overall health. In fact, indoor air pollution contributed to over 3.2 million premature deaths around the world in the year 2020 (from the World Health Organization). While most of these deaths happened in developing countries, it’s still important to consider the impact the air we breathe has on our well-being.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter or had your ducts cleaned, it may be time to call in the pros at Expert Air. Experience the joy of knowing your home has been cleaned and serviced, and rest assured you are maintaining both the significant investment of your property but also the health of those who spend any amount of time within it. Investing in indoor air quality services is key to securing the health and happiness of all those who spend time inside.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
The quality of your air is one of the primary foundational aspects of maintaining your health. It can help protect you from symptoms like irritated nose, throat, and eyes up to health ailments like asthma, pneumonia, gas poisoning, lung cancer, and more (from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Especially if your home or business invites young children, elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or other vulnerable populations, it’s especially important to be sure the air circulating within the building is of the utmost quality.
Indoor Air Quality and Health
While some of the illnesses and maladies associated with poor indoor air quality can result in suffering or death, there are usually warning signs. For example, some experience something known as “sick building syndrome”–during which victims experience nausea, headaches, or other symptoms after entering a specific building and feel better upon exiting (via U.S. EPA).
However, taking a holistic look at health, indoor air quality can also affect areas of well-being like cognition and performance (via U.S. EPA). This can affect everything from mood to the ability to function efficiently–which can impact social interactions, productivity, and even the financial bottom line for businesses or commercial spaces.
Other Reasons Why Indoor Air Quality is Important
Air quality impacts more than just your health. Take a look at these additional three reasons why you should ensure your property adheres to good air quality practices:
1. Compliance with Regulations: In addition to health reasons, there are also compliance-related reasons that make indoor air quality important. Many local and federal regulations exist that require businesses and homeowners to maintain a certain level of indoor air quality. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal trouble, and even negative publicity. Ensuring good indoor air quality is not only important for our health but is also required by law.
2. Economic Benefits: In addition to these reasons, there are also economic benefits to maintaining good indoor air quality. By reducing energy consumption, maintaining healthy indoor environments can help save on utility costs. Additionally, improved productivity levels can lead to enhanced business performance, higher employee retention rates, and increased customer satisfaction.
3. Environmental Impact: Lastly, indoor air quality is important from an environmental perspective. Poor indoor air quality can lead to increased energy consumption, which can have a negative impact on the environment. By improving the quality of our indoor air, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
It’s clear that indoor air quality is important for a variety of reasons, from human health to regulatory compliance, and economic benefits to environmental impact. Ignoring indoor air quality can have severe and long-term effects on our health and well-being, so it’s essential that we prioritize good indoor air quality both for ourselves and for the environment. By taking proactive steps, such as regularly changing filters, avoiding smoking indoors, and using natural cleaning products, we can ensure that our indoor air is clean and healthy for all.
Leading Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
According to the U.S. EPA, air quality can be impacted by everything from the weather to human behavior. Other factors influencing indoor air quality include the air exchange rate and the outdoor climate–for example, if you live in a polluted city, your indoor air quality is likely lower than the indoor quality of a lakeside cabin. However, with many of these factors beyond your control as a property owner, one thing you can focus on is ensuring that your ducts are clean and that you change your air filter at least every 90 days. Also, the quality of your architectural structure itself can impact the quality of the indoor air–so be sure you talk comprehensively with a contractor about the impacts of joints, cracks, and openings on airflow as well as building materials themselves.
Indoor Air Pollution Can Be Reduced
The good news is, indoor air pollution can be mitigated through regular building maintenance, regular air filter exchange, and duct cleaning. While it is almost impossible to eliminate environmental or weather factors, such as wildfire smoke, humidity, or city smog, it’s essential to focus on the factors you can control and regularly change your air filter.
Additionally, if you have the chance to build or design your living space or workplace, focus on building allergen-reducing materials such as sealed concrete and mildew-proof paint. Especially if you live in a damp area or a place prone to heavy rains, it’s crucial to check your space for mold, mildew, and fungus that could potentially cause illness or discomfort.
What to Look for in an Indoor Air Quality Inspection Service
A good air quality inspection service is essential to ensuring a home or business is healthy and safe from harmful pollutants. It’s important to choose a reliable service that will thoroughly test for pollutants and offer recommendations for improving air quality. Here’s what to look for when selecting an air quality service for your needs.
1. Professionalism: Choose an air quality inspection service that is professional in its conduct. This means they communicate effectively with clients, provide clear information on the testing process, and offer comprehensive reports detailing the results of the air quality testing. A professional inspection service will also have licensed and trained technicians who comply with industry standards and guidelines.
2. Cleanliness: It’s important to choose an inspection service that takes cleanliness seriously. The equipment used for air quality testing should be well-maintained and sanitized to prevent contamination of the testing environment. Additionally, the technicians should follow proper protocol, such as wearing protective gear, to maintain a clean and safe work environment. It is always ideal to have experienced technicians leave your home or office cleaner than they found it–so take care to read reviews and look for service providers with noteworthy cleanliness.
3. Experience: Choose an air quality inspection service with a team of experienced professionals who have a background in the industry. It’s important to ask about their experience in testing for specific pollutants, such as mold or asbestos, to ensure they can provide an accurate analysis and recommendations for improvement. The more experienced the time, the more accurate of an analysis they can provide–which could end up saving you time, headache, and even money.
4. Timeliness: A good air quality inspection service should be efficient and able to provide results in a timely manner, without sacrificing accuracy. Ask the service about their turnaround time for test results and whether they offer expedited services. Additionally, make sure they can work around your schedule to provide the testing at a convenient time.
5. Recommendations or Testimonials: Finally, choose an air quality inspection service that not only provides testing but also offers recommendations for improving air quality. This may include suggesting ventilation systems, air purifiers, or other solutions to address specific pollutants. A good service will take the time to explain the results and offer solutions that fit your specific needs and budget.
Indoor Air Quality Service with Expert Air
Most people don’t think of the air they breathe as being a potential source of illness–but it is something we consume regularly in vast amounts. If poisoned or polluted, the air we breathe can cause us to become ill. Fortunately for the property owner, there are ways to mitigate this phenomenon, keep a clean home and a tight ship, and care for those in your circle.
When it comes to choosing an air quality inspection service, it’s important to look for professionalism, cleanliness, experience, and timeliness. By choosing a reliable and trustworthy service, you can ensure your home or business is safe from harmful pollutants and enjoy improved air quality for years to come. That’s where Expert Air comes in. We’ll walk you through best practices and assess the quality of your indoor air so you can rest assured you’re taking care of your own.
While not always top of mind for preventative safety measures, indoor air quality can affect everything from physical health to mood to productivity–so why risk it? Get your questions answered today by our experienced team and let us guide you to better, cleaner air.