7 Factors That Impact Indoor Air Quality in Fort Worth, TX

Indoor air quality in Fort Worth, TX, is highly important for individuals with respiratory and health problems. Perfectly healthy people are just as vulnerable to many common airborne irritants. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your HVAC systems are doing their part to keep you comfortable. Here are some factors that can impact your home’s indoor air quality:

Proper Ventilation

Airing out a home is still one of the most effective ways to quickly clear a room from irritants and offensive odors. You should also make sure that your HVAC systems are properly keeping the air in the home circulating at all times.

Open your windows and run your fans any time that you’re painting, cooking or using aerosols. If you’ve been on a vacation for a couple of weeks, open some windows. As a result, you’ll get the stagnant air outside as soon as you get home.

Excess Humidity

East Texas is well-known for having some really humid summers, variable weather conditions and plenty of rainfall. In addition to making everything feel hotter, it also saturates the air with moisture that can create bacterial growth very quickly. You should keep your indoor humidity levels around 50%. That usually requires the use of dehumidifiers.

Air Purification

An air purifier can filter small particles that are too small for a conventional air filter to stop. It can also be an effective way to improve IAQ in a confined or otherwise poorly ventilated area. Do your research if you decide to invest in a standalone air purifier. See if the online reviews are consistent with the manufacturers’ claims.

Carbon Monoxide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 430 accidental deaths result from Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions each year. That’s why it’s crucial to keep fresh batteries in your CO detector at all times. You should replace your CO detectors every 5-7 years. Many models might include sequences of beeps that indicate that the unit is approaching the end of its operational life.

Chemical Irritants

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) include fumes from paint, new furnishings and certain cleaning products. VOC exposure can lead to headaches, nausea and fatigue. Be sure to choose non-toxic products and read product labeling carefully.

Perfume and cologne can be a feast for the nostrils. They can also make it difficult for some people to breathe, though. Many people enjoy using essential oils and aromatherapy candles in their home. But their scent can also be an irritant for many people.

Outdoor Irritants

In addition to pollen and other allergens, we have an abundance of automobile exhaust in the city and pesticides blowing in from surrounding rural areas. You’ll never have any control over the air quality outside. But you’ll definitely want to change your air filters on a regular basis to keep the air in your home properly filtered.

HVAC Problems

A well-maintained HVAC system has a life expectancy of 15-25 years, but excess dirt and dust buildup can hasten the demise of the unit. Humidity and moisture can also encourage the development of microbial growth. Be sure to schedule your annual preventive maintenance with a licensed professional so that you can enjoy clean air and peace of mind all year long!

Our NATE-certified service technicians at Airmasters AC, Heat, Plumbing & Electrical have been serving Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding areas since 1985. We’re always a phone call away when you have any questions about indoor air quality. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, and you can always buy with confidence because we stand behind all of our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Contact us today for more information about our indoor air quality services.

Image provided by iStock