Learning All About Wellness for National Wellness Month

Two hands gently cupping a red heart cutout, symbolizing care and compassion, relevant to HVAC services by Chad's AC Direct.

It's Time To Check the Indoor Air Quality For National Wellness Month

August is National Wellness Month, which means it's also time to check in with the indoor air quality in the home. Many homeowners don't realize that one can significantly compromise their health if the air quality in their homes isn't the greatest. It can lead to several underlying health issues they might not even be aware of. It is important that homeowners know what indoor air quality is and the pollutants that cause poor indoor air quality and the health risks that result from it. Continue reading below to learn more!

Woman relaxing on a couch with a peaceful expression, surrounded by indoor plants, emphasizing the importance of indoor air quality for health and wellness.

Facts About Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the most important things to consider about a home. Many homeowners don't realize just how important it is to their health. When IAQ is poor, many of those in the home start to experience health issues, stated more in detail below. 

That's not all, though. Poor air quality can also lead to the HVAC system not working at peak efficiency either. When the home is dirty or full of pollutants, it causes the HVAC system to strain itself because it has to filter out so much from the air before letting it go back into the home. When air quality is poor, it's because the air filter hasn't been changed in a while, the ductwork hasn't been cleaned, or the home hasn't been cleaned. 

Staying on track of those three things is the easiest way to maintain an excellent IAQ. 

Common Indoor Air Pollutant Homeowners Should KnowDust and debris on hardwood floor highlighting common indoor air pollutants affecting HVAC efficiency and indoor air quality.

As mentioned, poor air quality stems from pollutants in the air. These pollutants can come from anywhere, even outside! Some common pollutants that cause poor IAQ are:

  • Pesticides
  • Nitrogen Dioxide
  • Lead
  • Asbestos 
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Radon
  • Excess moisture
  • Tobacco 
  • Dust 
  • Combustion products
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
  • Biological pollutants 

Even common outdoor allergens can make their way into the home via open doors and windows. It is crucial to keep the airflow circulating and the home clean to try and avoid as many of these pollutants as possible. The more pollutants in the air, the worse the air quality 

The Health Effects of Poor IAQ

When the air quality in the home is poor for an extended period, it can lead to several short-term and long-term health effects. Some of these health effects are: 

  • Itchy eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Worsened asthma 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue
  • Heart problems
  • Lung problems
  • Cancer 

Luckily, the air quality improves most of the time before anyone in the household suffers from long-term effects, but it can still happen if those in the house aren't aware of the issue. However, the easiest way to keep allergies and asthma under control is to keep an eye on IAQ. 

Chad's AC Direct Cares About Their Customers

Chad's AC Direct has provided award-winning services for years. Their Montgomery, AL customers trust them with all of their heating and cooling needs. When it's time for AC maintenance, repair, or replacement, it's time to call!