Dispelling Common Myths About Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to air pollution, there’s a lot of bad information out there that most of us go a whole lifetime without questioning. Though indoor air quality is hugely important for keeping houses strong and protected, there are so many myths surrounding the nature of indoor air that is can be difficult to determine what’s true and what’s false. If you’re searching for an answer to the problem of lousy air quality and you’re about to search for “heating service and repair near me,” it’s important to know a few basic facts first. Here are a few myths about indoor air that you should no longer believe.

Myth: Indoor Air is Cleaner

Outdoor air might come with a few risks of its own, especially for folks with allergies. However, the idea that indoor air is cleaner and safer by comparison is absurd. While the great outdoors may not have a filter to sort out all the pollen and allergens, think about what you have to deal with in almost any indoor space. In addition to dirt particles and moisture, you’re dealing with dust, paint, chemicals, and a ton of other harmful contingencies clogging up your air supply. By contrast, fresh air has a much better shot at being clean and harm-free.

Myth: New Buildings Have Better Air

A new building might seem a lot cleaner and fresher than an ancient one, but don’t be so sure that you won’t have to contend with the same air issues. A fresh coat of paint has been shown to be just as harmful, if not moreso, to indoor air quality than an older one. New coats of paint are full of volatile organic compounds, which are not great for breathing in. Apart from the smell, this is why it’s important to keep the windows open after applying a fresh paint job in a small room.

Myth: IAQ is Hard (and Expensive) to Improve

While indoor air quality might not be the best to begin with, it’s not actually that hard to improve if you have the right tools for it. All you really need is a good HVAC system to help you filter out the harmful components in the air. While it might seem like a high upfront cost, it’s a tool that’s going to keep working for you as long as you’re in residence. You don’t need to pay a ton of money for great air quality. All you have to do is make sure your system is in good working order and doesn’t get clogged up with dust and dirt.

Myth: Humidifiers are Always Beneficial

If you feel like the air is too dry and brittle in your home or apartment, a humidifier might seem like a great solution. While humidifiers can be helpful in drier climates, they can also post problems of their own. As long as you keep your humidifier in check and keep the moisture content in your home below 40%, you’re in business. However, the minute it rises above that number, you’re putting your home at risk for mold, mildew, and other harmful fungus growth. This isn’t just bad for air quality, it’s bad for your home.

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