Homes have been made more airtight to improve efficiency. But this has created more indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns, since dust, dirt, smoke, allergens, volatile organic compounds, chemicals, and other pollutants tend to be more concentrated indoors. Fortunately, a range of air quality services offered by HVAC contractors can help remedy IAQ problems and their effects.
How Indoor Air Quality Affects You
Like most people, you probably spend most of your time indoors. The air you breathe can have a direct impact on your health and well-being. Indoor air pollution is sometimes noticeable. You sneeze, cough, or have a runny nose or scratchy throat if pollen is around. Musty odors can be a sign of poor air quality, as can the presence of smoke. But did you know symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, burning nose, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms can mean you have polluted indoor air?
What You Can Do About It
A wide range of air quality services is available to determine what is polluting indoor air and control or even eliminate the problem. Here’s a look at ways IRBIS can help get you on track to having clean, healthy air:
- Indoor Air Quality Assessment: The first step to improving air quality is to identify the issues present. An in-home evaluation can include assessing signs and symptoms of exposure, collecting air and surface samples, and measuring and analyzing airflow. It can incorporate visual checks for mold, moisture, and water damage as well as evidence of rodent and other pest infestations. You may also receive recommendations on remediating any issues.
- IAQ Testing: Once there’s suspicion one or more pollutants may be present, technicians will determine what tests to conduct. Testing for all possible pollutants is time-consuming and expensive. It’s usually not necessary. An air quality services professional can usually narrow down what to test for, such as the type of mold present, where dust may be coming from, the level of particulate concentration, what VOCs may be triggering allergic reactions, etc.
- Air Purification/Filtration: Solutions such as installing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or ultraviolet (UV) lamps in air conditioning systems can resolve some indoor air quality problems. Some air purifiers are more effective at removing gaseous compounds, while others are better at capturing particulates. Our professionals can determine the type of system you stand to benefit from most.
- Duct Cleaning Services: Dirty air ducts can constantly recirculate pollutants throughout your home. To correct the problem, professional-grade vacuum equipment can be used to clean them out. Or, we can perform ductwork repair to seal any spaces that pollutants are getting in through. Ducts can often be sealed from within to close off tiny holes and gaps, so we can stop the contamination and improve energy efficiency.
- Humidifier/Dehumidifier Installation: Too little moisture can cause dry skin and increase the risk of catching colds and respiratory illnesses. It can also lead to static electricity and cracked wood, chipped paint, and damaged electronics. Too much humidity can make it feel warm and sticky, let mold grow, and degrade floors, walls, paint, and furniture. Depending on your needs, our air quality services team can install humidifiers or dehumidifiers to resolve these issues.
- HVAC System Cleaning: Air ducts aren’t the only places where dirt can settle. The constant flow of air can mean pollutants have gotten into air handlers, compressor units, and other components. Dirty filters don’t help; if you don’t change AC filters often, the dirt they capture can be sucked inside. We use advanced equipment to clean your HVAC system so it runs more reliably and efficiently and your air is fresher.
Contact IRBIS Today
We provide professional indoor air quality services in San Jose and the South Bay region. Thanks to ongoing training, our staff is familiar with the latest trends in IAQ testing, equipment installation, and HVAC maintenance. Our team can address indoor air quality on all fronts. If you have symptoms and/or are concerned about pollutants that may be present in your home, schedule an appointment online or call 669-266-5464 today.