Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can greatly impact your health — and when it comes to IAQ, your’s home greatest defense against indoor air pollution is your air conditioning system. If you feel yourself having cold and flu symptoms throughout the year, you may want to call your AC tech or change your air filter. Read on to learn more about indoor air quality.
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Symptoms of poor indoor air quality can range depending on the contaminants and the environment. The symptoms can easily be mistaken for allergies, stress, colds, and influenza. The most common symptoms of poor indoor air quality include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Upper respiratory congestion
More Severe Health Effects Caused By Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Conjunctival eye irritation
- Rashes
- Fever, chills
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat, leading to shortness of breath)
- Headache or dizziness
- Lethargy, fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, anorexia
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Hearing loss
Types of Indoor Air Pollutants
| Pollutant | Source |
| Asbestos | Damaged insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials |
| Dust mites, Animal Dander, Mold Bacteria, Viruses | House dust, pets, bedding, poorly maintained air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, moist structures |
| Carbon Monoxide | Gas stoves, malfunctioning gas appliances, wood stoves, tobacco smoke, car or truck exhaust |
| Environmental Tobacco Smoke | Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes |
| Formaldehyde | Plywood, particleboard, wallpaper, personal care products |
| Lead | Sanding or open-flame burning of lead paint |
| Nitrogen Oxides | Gas stoves, malfunctioning gas appliances |
| Organic Chemicals | Solvents, glues, cleaning agents, paints, moth repellents, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothes, |
| Ozone | Ozone-generating indoor air cleaners, soldering or welding |
| Particulate Matter | Cigarettes, wood stoves, fireplaces, cooking, vacuuming, burning candles and incense |
| Radon | Soil under buildings, some earth-derived construction materials, and groundwater |
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Here are some quick tips on how to improve your air quality:
- Add vents throughout your home
- Change your air filter regularly
- Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent
For more in-depth indoor air quality hacks, check out some of our blogs:
Useful Indoor Air Quality Facts Every Homeowner Should Know
What Houseplants Increase Indoor Air Quality?
Call Colman Heating & Air for AC Service Today!
At Colman Heating & Air, we are passionate about keeping you comfortable. If you’re tired of coughing and sneezing constantly in your own home, then call us today! We are happy to repair or an install an AC system for you any time or any day. We offer 24-hour emergency service!
