Poor Indoor Air Quality Can Make You Sick

As the outside climate reaches extreme temperatures, many home owners and businesses rely on their HVAC system to provide a comfortable interior environment. One of the many problems with relying heavily on these HVAC systems is the increased number of allergens in your home. Even though outside air is introduced into the heating and air conditioning cycle, much of the interior air is being re-circulated throughout the building, which increases the chances of passing along bacteria and viruses.

A key concern that has received recent heavy attention from the media and medical professionals is that of contracting bacteria and viruses. H1N1, or swine flu, is a good example of a virus for which many medical professionals and politicians have attempted to find a solution in order to prevent it from reaching epidemic proportions.

Air quality tests, provided by Comfort Zone are a beneficial service. There are limitations to what these tests will detect. Certain tests are designed to only detect one hazard, such as the home owner radon tests, while air quality testing provided by an experienced Comfort Zone technician tests for a variety of hazards. Air quality testing will check for molds, spores, and fungus, as well as carbon monoxide, radon, and other volatile organic compounds, or V.O.C.s. Special steps are needed however, to actually eliminate the threat of radon, carbon monoxide, and other V.O.C.s. The presence of these dangerous contaminants should not be dismissed.

One of the few preventative measures the average home owner can perform themselves is to replace the existing air filter with an electrostatic air filter. These filters do cost a little more, but are recognized by professionals to be significantly more effective at filtering the air than just a traditional mesh style filter. Getting in the habit of replacing the mesh style air filter or cleaning the electrostatic air filter monthly, is just one of many steps in combating harmful impurities. By servicing the air filter, you will help to minimize the amount of pollen, dust, and irritants in your home.

There are other steps, such as duct cleaning, that can be taken to improve indoor air quality. Comfort Zone also offers services of this type and more. It is important to note however, that there is no method that will completely eradicate every single harmful contaminant and contagion, but with a few proactive steps, you can greatly reduce the effects of these troublesome elements in your home or business.