If you’re experiencing cold and allergy symptoms year-round but aren’t sure what’s the cause, you may be having a case of sick building syndrome (SBS). Because SBS causes various problems that mimic other illnesses, it’s hard to pinpoint a diagnosis. However, if you notice recurring symptoms in a specific building, such as your house, you should consider getting your indoor air quality (IAQ) checked out. Luckily, Axsom Air offers all the services you need to cure a sick house!
Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome is a condition caused by being in a building or an enclosed space. Usually, this is due to poor indoor air quality. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals that about 30% of new and remodeled homes have bad IAQ– one of which could be your own!
Indoor Air Quality
IAQ refers to the air quality within a building or enclosed space and how it contributes to an individual’s health. Often, poor IAQ is the cause of cold and allergy-like symptoms. This is because several pollutants can get trapped inside your house, causing you to develop sickness.
What Causes Bad IAQ?
Poor IAQ often arises due to poor ventilation in an enclosed space, combined with indoor and outdoor pollutants. The following are some of the causes of poor indoor air quality within your home:
Indoor Pollutants:
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Dust
- Cleaning products
- Smoke
- Tobacco
Outdoor Pollutants:
- Pollen
- Ozone
- Radon
- Wildfire smoke
- Pesticides
How To Cure Sick Building Syndrome
It may seem overwhelming to stay healthy after learning about all the pollutants inside your home. There’s no need to panic! There are many ways to improve your indoor air quality and, subsequently, your health and well-being.
Keeping It Clean
First, a deep clean of your home will help eliminate all the indoor sources that are causing poor air quality. After this, it’s essential to maintain a weekly upkeep of your home. Dusting, wiping down surfaces and vacuuming are all ways to keep different contaminants at bay. Eliminating sources of pollution is usually the best way to combat poor IAQ!
Ventilation
Most heating and cooling systems do not bring in new air, but recycle whatever air is inside your home. A home without proper ventilation means polluted air cannot escape your house and fresh air cannot get in. Doing something as simple as opening your windows and doors and turning on a fan are great ways to ensure proper ventilation.
Professional HVAC Repair Team
Sometimes, you may need more than just DIY situations to improve the air quality of your home. That’s where we step in! Installing an HVAC unit with the proper air filters is the first line of defense regarding IAQ.
These filters will prevent your HVAC system from absorbing all the dust, dirt and particles that build up in your system. There are many different types of air filters, which all function differently. Your heating and cooling unit are also instrumental in controlling the humidity level inside your home, which contributes to poor IAQ. Some more complex systems include an in-duct purifier, which is the most effective against VOCs (violative organic compounds and odors).
An HVAC professional can assess your IAQ solution and recommend what works best for you!
Your Friends Trust Us…Just Axsom!
We’ve served the Natchitoches and surrounding areas for the past 25 years. Whether you need installation or a quick check-up, Axsom Air has you covered. Call us today to learn more about our heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing services!
