When you think air quality, do you just think about outdoor issues like pollen and smog? While outdoor air quality can cause real health problems, do you know that your Philadelphia home’s indoor air quality can, too? Since you spend so much time in your home every day, it’s possible that indoor air quality will have a greater impact on your health than outdoor.

These problems can be even worse during the winter months since homes are closed up tight against the cold. Lack of ventilation means that pollutants can build up in enclosed spaces.

AIR QUALITY ISSUES

Here are some indoor air quality problems that can be even worse in winter.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are gasses released by items and chemicals found inside the home, including paint, carpet and upholstery, adhesives, cleaning agents and tobacco smoke. Since homes aren’t ventilated as much during the winter, VOCs can build up to even more harmful levels.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): Mold, dust mites, mildew and other allergens in your home can create health problems for you and your family. With less ventilation in the winter, these allergens can build up and multiply.
Carbon Monoxide: This odorless, colorless gas comes from the burning of fossil fuels and can accumulate in your home if your gas appliances or heating system is improperly installed or poorly maintained. It is a silent killer, especially during winter when homes are sealed against the cold.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

At Stallion Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to keep our Philadelphia neighbors safe and healthy. Regular inspection and maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system is a great first step towards clearing the air in your home. Other products and services we offer are:

Whole-home air cleaners – for particulate filtration such as smoke, dander, mites, dust, microscopic allergens and viruses.
Whole-home and HVAC system sanitizer – to reduce the chances of biological growth in the system, sickness from viruses, and odors.
Whole-home humidification – for dry skin and sinus complications.
Professional, low-level carbon monoxide detectors – dealer-only detectors can alert you to levels of carbon monoxide all basic detectors will miss.

Opening up the windows can often allow more pollutants into the home. Ask your HVAC professional about a fresh air intake system for your home, which attaches to your HVAC system and will allow the outside air to be filtered and cleaned prior to entering the home.

If you are concerned about indoor air quality in your Philadelphia home, give Stallion a call today. We can help you diagnose and treat your indoor air quality problems and get you breathing easier this winter.