Indoor Air Quality in Pittsburgh

Damage to Your Property:

• Mold & Mildew Growth: High humidity levels encourage mold growth, which damages walls, ceilings, and furniture.
• Structural Deterioration: Excessive moisture can warp wood, weaken drywall, and corrode metal components.
• Lingering Odors: Without proper ventilation and filtration, unpleasant odors from cooking, pets, or smoke can persist in your home.

Regular air quality assessments and proactive solutions can protect both your health and home.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important? 

Since we spend most of our time indoors, whether at home or at work, indoor air is what we are breathing. 

Unfortunately, the EPA reports that the air inside many homes and commercial buildings is worse than the air outside. 

A wide variety of pollutants can be found in the air, which can cause physical symptoms and property damage. 

Indoor air quality can be diminished by: 

To improve indoor air quality, it's important to identify and address the specific sources and factors contributing to poor air quality in your home or building. 

This may involve better ventilation, the use of air purifiers, regular maintenance of HVAC systems, reducing or eliminating indoor pollutants, and keeping indoor humidity levels within a comfortable and safe range. 

Consulting with professionals, such as HVAC technicians or indoor air quality experts, can be helpful in diagnosing and remedying indoor air quality issues.

What Are Signs You Have Bad Indoor Air Quality?

Bad indoor air quality can have various signs and symptoms that affect your health and comfort. 

Here are some common signs that may indicate poor indoor air quality:

• Odors: Unpleasant or strong odors can be a clear sign of indoor air pollution. These odors can come from cooking, pets, cleaning products, mold, or other sources.
• Dust and Allergies: Excessive dust buildup on surfaces or frequent allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, can be indicative of poor air quality. Dust can contain allergens and particulate matter.
• Mold and Mildew: The presence of mold or mildew, often visible as dark spots or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or in corners, can indicate high humidity levels and poor ventilation.
• Respiratory Issues: Frequent respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath may be a result of exposure to indoor pollutants, including allergens, mold, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Dry or Irritated Skin: Dry skin or irritation can occur when the indoor air is too dry due to low humidity levels. Conversely, high humidity can also lead to discomfort and health issues.
• Headaches or Fatigue: Persistent headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating can sometimes be linked to poor indoor air quality. These symptoms may result from exposure to pollutants like carbon monoxide or VOCs.
• Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms: If you or your family members have allergies or asthma, you may notice an increase in symptoms when indoor air quality is poor.
• Visible Condensation: Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes can be a sign of excessive humidity, which can contribute to mold growth and other indoor air quality issues.
• Stale or Stuffy Air: A general feeling of stuffiness or a lack of fresh air in your home can indicate poor ventilation, which can trap indoor pollutants.
• Frequent Illness: If you or your family members are frequently falling ill with colds, flu, or respiratory infections, it may be due to poor indoor air quality, which can make you more susceptible to illnesses.
• High Levels of Radon: Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground and is a known carcinogen. Testing for radon is essential if you live in an area with a high risk of radon exposure.
• Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it's a critical sign of immediate danger. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced by fuel-burning appliances.

If you suspect poor indoor air quality, it's essential to identify and address the underlying causes. 

This may involve improving ventilation, reducing sources of pollution, using air purifiers, maintaining HVAC systems, and keeping indoor humidity levels within a comfortable and safe range. 

If health issues persist or worsen, consult with a healthcare professional and consider hiring a professional to assess your indoor air quality.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality 

There are many types and brands of equipment for improving indoor air quality. Knowing which type of system is best for your property starts with considering the specific issues that need to be improved. Whether you are worried about allergens, humidity levels, or bacteria and viruses, there is equipment available to meet the needs of every property. 

Equipment for improving indoor air quality includes: 

• Air purification – If you are concerned about the spread of illness, an air purification system using UV technology may be the best choice. Ultraviolet light can neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. 
• Air filtration – Particulates in the air diminish air quality and can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. A filtration system removes contaminants from the air, so you can breathe easier.
• Humidifiers – The humidity level is important for comfort and air quality. When the humidity level is too low, it can dry out everything from your skin and sinuses to your wood flooring and furniture. A humidifier can improve humidity levels. 
• Dehumidifiers – Too much humidity in the air can cause mold and mildew growth. A dehumidifier removes excess humidity from the air to improve air quality. 

A knowledgeable HVAC technician can help you explore the options to find the best equipment for your property and make sure it is installed right.