How Do You Measure Indoor Air Pollution?

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How Do You Measure Indoor Air Pollution?

If you are a regular reader of this site (and we hope you are) then you know Merts Heating & Air Conditioning has always placed an emphasis on improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. The subject is receiving even more attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reviewing the Basics

Indoor air quality can be affected by several environmental factors:

  • Mold
  • Pollen & other allergens
  • Bacteria & viruses
  • Carbon monoxide

Experts agree that IAQ has worsened in the last 30 years. This is due in large part to homes that are sealed up tight to cut heating and cooling bills. This also means less ventilation throughout the house and air pollution trapped indoors. Additionally, modern building materials and home furnishings contain a long list of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that also worsen indoor air quality.

Ventilation is a Good Starting Point

There are many ways to improve ventilation. Opening the windows is the easiest and simplest but isn’t always practical during a Great Lakes winter. It also doesn’t make much sense on those days when the outside air quality is poor. Thankfully, Merts has solutions; ways to bring in more fresh air without compromising energy efficiency.

A New Focus on IAQ

The problem is receiving additional attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Merts is not going to make any outrageous claims or guarantees, but the advanced filtration and air purification devices we offer will improve your indoor air quality. They are capable of removing and/or killing many disease-causing organisms, making your Steger, IL or Crown Point, IN home safer and healthier now and during any future pandemics.

How to Know if There’s a Problem

With the exception of big city smog, indoor and outdoor air pollution is invisible. So how do you know if you have a problem? There are consumer devices on the market that will test the air quality in your home. Examples include:

  • Monitors that measure VOCs
  • Carbon dioxide levels
  • Carbon monoxide alarms and monitors

(IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) is not poisonous but can be unhealthy when it reaches certain levels)

Perhaps the best measuring device when it comes to indoor air quality is the human body. If you or other family members find yourselves constantly not feeling well with no apparent reason, indoor air pollution is something you should definitely consider as a possible cause.

We Are Always Here to Help

If that’s happening in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana house, we urge you to call Merts Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more about the many ways to improve indoor air quality. We will be happy to explain your options during a no-obligation visit to your home. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.