Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a major role in your health and comfort, but most people don’t think about it until problems show up. According to the EPA, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. That means the symptoms you blame on allergies or the seasons may actually be coming from the air in your home.
If you or your family members often deal with headaches, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, or breathing problems, these may be signs of poor indoor air quality. Below are the top signs your home’s IAQ is unhealthy and what you can do to improve it.
1. Allergy Symptoms
While allergy season can make symptoms worse, indoor allergens often play a bigger role than people realize. Dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander can all build up inside your home. Age, health conditions, and existing respiratory issues can make symptoms even stronger.
Common signs of poor IAQ include:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Irritated eyes, nose, or throat
- Frequent coughing or sneezing
If your vents and air filters are clogged with dirt, your HVAC system cannot clean your air properly. You may even get used to the poor air quality over time. But guests visiting your home may start sneezing or coughing right away.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious health problems. At the first sign of ongoing respiratory issues, check your indoor air quality.
How to improve it:
- Upgrade or replace your HVAC air filters
- Use air purifiers to trap mold, dust, pollen, and other irritants
- Schedule a professional inspection of your HVAC system
2. Excessive Dust
If you're constantly dusting and still see dust gathering on furniture, shelves, or vents, your HVAC system may not be filtering the air correctly.
A clogged filter allows dust to recirculate throughout your home instead of trapping it.
Solution:
- Replace dirty filters every 1–3 months
- Use higher-quality filters when possible
3. Humidity Problems
Both high and low humidity can affect your comfort and indoor air quality.
Low humidity signs:
- Dry skin
- Itchy eyes
- Frequent colds
- Static shocks
High humidity signs:
- Mold growth
- Musty smells
- Dust mites and other allergens spreading faster
How to improve humidity:
- Use ceiling fans to help air circulate
- Install a whole-home humidifier if air is too dry
- Install a dehumidifier if air is too damp
4. Inefficient HVAC System
An older or poorly maintained HVAC system may not filter air well or keep humidity and temperature levels stable. This can directly harm your indoor air quality.
Ductwork problems also affect IAQ. Cracked or leaking ducts can let dirty air into your system or allow conditioned air to escape.
What to do:
- Schedule professional HVAC maintenance
- Replace an aging, inefficient system
- Have your ducts checked for leaks and cleaned if needed
5. Uneven Temperatures
If some rooms in your home feel warm while others feel cold, your home has air circulation issues. This uneven airflow can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Ways to fix it:
- Schedule an HVAC maintenance visit
- Consider installing a zoning system for better temperature control
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat to monitor temperature and humidity
- Improve ductwork if needed
6. Odors
Lingering or stale odors are another sign of poor IAQ. You may not notice them because you’ve grown used to the smell, but guests often will.
These odors can be caused by:
- Mold
- Poor ventilation
- Dirty HVAC components
- High humidity
How to improve odor issues:
- Turn on ceiling fans to help with air movement
- Have your HVAC system inspected
- Install a ventilation or air purification system if needed
Contact IAQ Specialists Today!
Give LA Heating and Air a call today at (818) 341-3406 or contact us online. Create a comfortable home with healthy indoor air quality with the help of our technicians.
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