Warning Signs of Bad Air Quality in Your Home

March 2, 2021 - Published by Scott's Air

Illustration of bad indoor air quality checklist next to a cut-out of a house that shows a clear blue sky as the background.

Did you know that air quality in your home is 2-5 times worse than outside air? Bad air quality in homes is very common and can lead to some serious medical conditions if untreated. From dirty carpets to chemicals in your cleaning solutions, there are a myriad of ways for your home air quality to become unsafe. Here are some of the warning signs of bad air quality in your home.

Common Airborne Contaminants

Improving bad air quality starts with identifying the individual elements that cause the contamination. Here are some of the more common airborne contaminants in the average home.

Dust Mites
Pollen
Pet Dander
Chemicals in Cleaning Supplies
Smoke from Burned Food and Tobacco-Based Products
Mold
Mildew
Pesticides
Formaldehyde (found in adhesives used to build furniture, carpets and paneling)
Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) & Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) (found in many plastics, TVs and computer monitors to prevent them from catching fire)
Polyurethane (a respiratory toxin found in many consumer products including sealants for floors and furniture and is also in some mattresses)

Warning Signs of Bad Air Quality

House Guests Are Always Coughing or Sneezing

Have you noticed that when you have house guests, they always seem to be sneezing, coughing or experiencing other symptoms related to congestion and allergies? Do you feel more congested at home than your work or when you are on vacation? If so, that may mean that your home air is not safe for you.

Beware the Aftermath of Home Renovation

If you have recently renovated areas of your home, there are multiple bad air quality factors at play. If you are pulling up carpeting and breaking down cabinets, you are likely unearthing a host of contaminants that have been hidden over the years. Once more, the fumes that are emitted from paint, carpeting adhesive and other renovation products are making your home air more toxic. Be sure to wear a mask and open some windows and doors to keep the fresh air flowing.

Dust Buildup is More Frequent

Have you noticed that dust seems to pile up very quickly in your home? Those in more rural or industrial areas typically see a lot more dust. If you are dusting too frequently, it might be a sign that you need to fit your air conditioning system with stronger filters or UV light. You also may want to consider an air purifier.

How to Improve Bad Air Quality?

There are many tactics that help you toward the goal of having clean, healthy home air including:

Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Choose Hardwood or Tile Flooring Instead of Carpet, Laminates or Vinyl
Purchase an Air Purifier
Consider a Ventilator
Install a UV Lamp into Your AC System
Open Windows When Weather Permits for an Influx of Fresh Air
Clean Air Intake Vents Regularly

Keep a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning is known for great prices on air conditioning systems, but we are also experts in-home air quality. Join Scott’s Club to get regular checkups on your air conditioner and your home air quality.

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!