California in the summertime can be one of the most enjoyable places in the country to live, especially for those who enjoy warmer weather. The oppressive heat can sometimes be too much to take, however, This is especially true for those with breathing problems, including the elderly and individuals who suffer from asthma or seasonal allergies. When the summer sun starts beating down, it’s important to know that you can retreat to a home where the air is clean and comfortable to breathe, which is where indoor air quality comes in.
One of the things that makes improving indoor air quality somewhat of a challenge is the fact that it can be difficult to judge whether or not you have a problem on your hands at face value. Many times, issues exist without making themselves extremely apparent, yet taking the time to get to the bottom of things often brings these problems to light.
The Staff at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric believes that each customer we serve deserves to live in a healthy home that doesn’t suffer from poor indoor air quality. Knowing what could be causing problems for your home is often the best place to start, and it’s less confusing than you might think.
What Affects Indoor Air Quality?
The quality of the air within your home can change over time, and for various reasons.
Usually, however, a shift in indoor air quality results from an easily identifiable cause, with the following being just a few common examples:
- Poor Air Sealing / Insulation — Air sealing and insulation are two of the most important aspects of home performance. They work to create a barrier that keeps outside air from entering the home and conditioned air from escaping. For those who live on or near busy city streets, poor air sealing or insulation can quickly result in terrible indoor air quality, not to mention difficulties with keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Mold — Mold is infamous for causing breathing problems in otherwise healthy individuals, and many people don’t even know that they have it in their homes. Dampness and an absence of light create the ultimate breeding grounds for mold, and crawl spaces/basements are set up for such issues. If mold is left alone, you can rest assured that it will only continue to get worse as time goes by.
- Unmaintained HVAC Systems — When was the last time you had your HVAC system maintained? If you’re like many California homeowners, it’s been a while. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to a number of different types of problems, chief among them being a reduction in indoor air quality due to an accumulation of dust, dirt and debris. The logical solution? Have your HVAC system looked at by a trained home performance professional.
Let Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric Help
At Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric, we know that indoor air quality isn’t just going to fix itself, and we’re here to help improve this important element of your home. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a home energy audit.