With the dry heat of summer (and one heck of a wildfire season) behind us, homeowners throughout the greater East Bay area are ready for winter, and likely spending a lot of family time indoors. But with doors and windows closed to keep the near-freezing temperatures out, and thermostats set to the agreed-upon (or not so agreed upon) perfect temperature, homeowners are much more vulnerable to the increased contaminants in their indoor air.
The unfortunate truth is that when it comes to contamination, the air we breathe in our homes is estimated to be at least twice as contaminated as the air outside. So, what can you do to keep your IAQ (indoor air quality) healthy this winter? Let's first look at some of the most common IAQ issues that affect the homes of your friends, family, and neighbors.
Common IAQ Issues in Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties
Your heating and cooling system is necessary for keeping your home comfortable throughout the year, but it can also be the centerpiece of what is causing your poor indoor air quality. Even if your windows and doors are closed tight for the majority of the day, outside contaminants will still make their way into your home. When they do, they are sucked into the intake of your heating and cooling system, and then distributed throughout your living space. Then, they are sucked up again and recycled back into your breathing air, over and over again.
Here are some of the most common problems associated with poor IAQ in a house:
High Humidity
The amount of moisture in your breathing air needs to be just right—not too much, and not too little. While the summers in California are dry, the moisture blowing from the Pacific makes winters a more humid time of year. This moisture can build up in your home if it is not properly ventilated or dehumidified, and the more moisture in your home, the greater your risk of harmful mold growth. Mold is extremely hazardous to your health and should be addressed immediately!
Clogged Air Filters
Of course, there should be at least one filtration system already in place inside your central heating and cooling system, and that's the air filters. However, air filters are often overlooked and become clogged if they are not changed regularly. Here are some signs to look out for that it's time to replace your air filters:
- Reduced hot air coming from your air vents
- More dust in the home
- Increased heating and cooling costs
Poor Ventilation
The issue with your California indoor air quality could be an issue with the overall ventilation of your home. The name of the game when it comes to reducing indoor air pollution via better ventilation is control, which requires sealing up any hidden holes throughout your home, like along windows and door frames, in the attic, in any crawl spaces, and properly insulating the home. Once you know your home is airtight, then all of the existing indoor contaminants will need to be actively ventilated back outside.
With a properly ventilated home, you can rest easy knowing that any contaminants that arise inside your home (like volatile organic compounds found in cleaning chemicals, furniture, and building materials) will be removed before they are given the chance to recirculate your breathing air.
Solve Your Indoor Air Quality Issues with Hassler
If you’ve been experiencing what feels like seasonal allergies in your home all year long, or if you are concerned about an exacerbation of asthma symptoms, ask Hassler about how you can reduce indoor allergies and improve your air quality. We offer a full range of IAQ services, from indoor air purifiers and HEPA filters to IAQ improving home upgrades like insulation and air sealing.
