woman blowing her nose

3 Most Common Threats to Indoor Air Quality in Your Raleigh Home

April 15, 2021

When you hear about air pollution, you probably think of smoke emitted from industrial operations. You may not realize it, but, as the EPA notes, your indoor air could be more polluted than the outdoor air, even if you live in a large, industrialized city. Read on to learn about three common things that threaten the indoor air quality in your Raleigh, NC home.

1. Dirty Ducts

Every time your HVAC system draws air from outside, it also pulls in dust that threatens your indoor air. The dust circulates inside your ductwork and across your home. If left for a long time, the dust accumulates inside the ducts and prevents airflow.

Dirty ductwork forces your system to work harder than it should to maintain your desired comfort levels. As a result, it consumes more energy and increases your monthly utility bills. To solve such issues, HVAC experts recommend periodic cleaning of ductwork and regular maintenance.

2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Although you may not see volatile organic compounds, they emit a distinct odor. VOCs are gases and vapors that come from chemicals such as disinfectants, paints and aerosol sprays.

These chemicals lower your indoor air quality and cause health issues such as nausea and headaches. Additionally, prolonged exposure to VOCs may damage vital body organs and increase the risks of cancer. To keep your family safe, invest in ventilation to reduce the concentration of VOCs.

3. Dirty Air Filters

The purpose of air filters is to prevent air pollutants such as dust and pollen from entering your living space. However, a dirty filter will allow entry of these air pollutants and lower your indoor air quality. The air pollutants, if inhaled, could trigger health issues such as allergies and asthma.

If ignored, air filters could also clog with dirt and reduce airflow, forcing your system to work harder than it should. For this reason, we recommend changing your air filters monthly.

To keep your household safe from harmful air pollutants, invest in HVAC upgrades that can help clean the air you breathe at home. For more information about our indoor air quality services, contact Cape Fear Air Conditioning, Heating, & Electrical Company, Inc.

Image provided by iStock

You May Also Like

5 Signs Your Home Has Faulty Wiring in St. Pauls, NC

5 Signs Your Home Has Faulty Wiring in St. Pauls, NC

Faulty wiring can damage appliances and cause house fires in St. Pauls, NC. We'll review five common signs of faulty wiring. 1. Flickering, Dimming or Buzzing Lights If your lights flicker, dim or buzz without reason, you should have your wiring inspected. Old or...

How Home Automation Can Benefit You

How Home Automation Can Benefit You

Home automation technology can keep your Wake Forest, NC, home safe and secure by controlling lighting, garage door operation, and door locks. However, there are other benefits to home automation, such as better climate control and reduced energy costs. Below you'll...

Ask These 3 Questions Before Choosing an HVAC Company

Ask These 3 Questions Before Choosing an HVAC Company

Before you engage an HVAC contractor to repair or install a new system for you, it is vital to conduct a thorough background check on them. The review will help you to avoid spending money on unqualified contractors and ensure you get professional services. We will...

Why Choose Us

24/7 Emergency Service

NATE certified technicians

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Oops! We could not locate your form.

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close