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Indoor air quality becomes a more significant concern during winter when homes and businesses shut their windows and run their heating systems to keep out the cold. Although these actions provide greater comfort, they reduce fresh air circulation. The winter months can lead to a greater number of indoor pollutants and allergens that can impact health. With everyone spending more time indoors during the winter, it pays to address any indoor air quality issues. MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric in Greater Kansas City wants our customers to learn about the dangers of IAQ problems in the winter.
Indoor Air Pollutants That Increase in Winter
Volatile Organic Compounds
Household products like chemical cleaners, building materials, and paints can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC concentrations often rise in tightly sealed homes, and increased VOCs can lead to symptoms like headaches and dizziness.
Carbon Monoxide
Fuel-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide during the combustion process. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Your home needs carbon monoxide detectors to reveal any high concentrations of CO. These detectors can save lives.
Particulate Matter
Particulate matter consists of minute particles in the air from burning fuel, cooking, or smoking. These particles can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
Radon
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can seep into your home from the ground. These gases can sometimes increase during the winter with a lack of air circulation. Long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer. It is vital to seek radon testing, especially during the winter months.
Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants include pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, and bacteria. With reduced circulation and dry air, these pollutants tend to concentrate during the winter, increasing allergy and asthma symptoms.
Humidity Imbalances and Their Impact on IAQ
Changes in humidity levels significantly impact indoor air quality. Winter air becomes drier because cold air cannot hold as much water vapor. With heaters running constantly, the air becomes even drier. Drier air can lead to skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
On the other hand, increased moisture can become a problem in some homes during the winter, especially those with poor ventilation. When cold air from outside clashes with warm air inside, condensation occurs. Indoor activities like cooking and showering can also increase humidity, which causes mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew growth can aggravate allergies and asthma. Increased mold growth can also lead to severe lung infections such as aspergillosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
It is essential to monitor and regulate humidity levels. Healthy humidity percentages range from 30% to 50%. At MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, we offer dehumidifiers and humidifiers to reduce or increase humidity and improve IAQ.
The Role of Heating Systems
Heating systems can impact indoor air quality during the winter. Natural gas, oil, and propane can emit harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These can cause a range of symptoms and, in extreme cases, lead to death.
Fireplaces and wood stoves can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Fine particles released during the burning process can penetrate deep into the lung tissue. Keeping your chimneys and flues clean is essential to help mitigate the risks.
Proper heating system maintenance and ventilation are critical. Improper maintenance and ventilation increase indoor air pollution and cause your heating system to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Without maintenance and proper ventilation, your heater will experience more significant wear and tear.
Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
You may not initially realize you have poor indoor air quality, but worsening signs can alert you of problems. The following are some indications to look for regarding poor IAQ.
- Increased respiratory symptoms, including wheezing and coughing
- Sneezing, runny nose, and itching eyes
- Hives and itching skin
- Frequent colds and upper respiratory infections
- Visible mold and mildew growth
- Foul odors like musty smells
- Increased condensation
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
You may not realize poor IAQ is causing your symptoms, especially if you already have allergies and asthma. Many may attribute their symptoms to other conditions. The human sense of smell is only good at detecting IAQ issues at extreme levels, making detection challenging.
Indoor Air Quality Testing
IAQ testing is essential if you have noticed any signs of poor indoor air quality, like those above. It is a comprehensive process that assesses the levels of harmful pollutants, allergens, and other substances in your air.
HVAC technicians begin by talking to property owners regarding their specific concerns. It is vital to discuss any symptoms your family has experienced or signs you have noticed. The consultation provides technicians with the necessary information needed to start testing.
Visual Inspections
Technicians visually inspect the ventilation, heating system, insulation, and windows. These inspections help identify potential issues contributing to poor IAQ, such as water leaks, inadequate ventilation, or heating system malfunctions like cracked heat exchangers.
The technician will create a detailed IAQ testing plan based on the initial consultation and inspection process. The test may include screening for the following contaminants.
- Particulate matter
- VOCs
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Mold spores
- Formaldehyde
- Radon
- Dust mites
- Bacteria and viruses
- Humidity issues
Air Sample Collections
Technicians collect air samples using specialized equipment. Special pumps draw in air and pull it through a filter for collection and analysis. Technicians also use direct-reading instruments. They may use particle counters, gas detectors, and radon monitors.
In some cases, technicians will perform long-term sampling for laboratory analysis. Lab analysis includes gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and advanced tools to determine the exact composition and pollutant concentration. Advanced laboratory testing is usually only carried out in extreme cases.
Surface Sampling
In addition to collecting air samples, technicians swab surfaces that may harbor mold, allergens, and bacteria. They then send the swab samples to a lab for further testing.
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Ventilation Efficiency Measurement
Lenexa HVAC technicians measure ventilation efficiency to protect your indoor air quality. They will perform airflow testing using anemometers to measure the airflow in each room. These tools test for air stagnation that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Remediation and Recommendations
HVAC technicians will offer various remediation services to remove contaminants and protect indoor air quality. They will perform repairs or replacement services for HVAC systems, ductwork, and ventilation fans. The goal is to ensure proper ventilation throughout the home or building to improve air circulation.
Technicians will recommend upgrading your HVAC filters to HEPA options for better particle and allergen entrapment. They can also offer information on filtration systems and air purifiers. Air filter systems work with your HVAC system, while air purifiers are stand-alone machines.
We recommend ongoing monitoring in cases of severe indoor air pollution. Periodic testing and inspections will help ensure the remediation efforts improve IAQ. After IAQ stabilization, we should test your air every two to three years.
Contact MVP Today!
MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric is an air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical company that provides installation, maintenance, and repair. . Our electrical services include attic fans, electrical panels, rewiring, outlets, and smoke detectors. We also offer our customers air purifier systems, drain cleaning, leak detection, toilet services, water heater services, and a full spectrum of plumbing options.
You can rely on us for emergency repairs 24/7. If you are concerned about your home’s air quality, call our expert HVAC team at MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric today to learn more!
Schedule service online or call (913) 358-0291 today!
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