The Link Between Indoor Air Quality and Allergies in Utah

The natural beauty of Utah makes for picturesque sights throughout the state, but the area’s unique climate also creates the right conditions for poor indoor air quality (IAQ) to take hold in many homes. IAQ isn’t something that many people think about during their daily lives, but it plays a real role in how healthy and comfortable you can be in your own household. The cleanliness (or lack thereof) of your air has a direct connection to the number of allergies and respiratory issues that afflict residents. Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions available to make the air wafting through your home more breathable and pollutant-free. Read on to learn more about the relationship between allergies and indoor air quality and what can be done to make your residence a safer place to be. 

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Utah’s signature geography and weather patterns are a perfect combo for poor air quality. During the winter season, Utah experiences inversion periods. In normal conditions, the air closer to the ground is warmer and cools at higher altitudes. But during an inversion, heat is reflected away, and cold air traps pollutants near the ground, allowing contaminated air to seep into homes like yours. In the summer, high ozone levels and smoke from seasonal wildfires can get inside and decrease your IAQ. 

Indoor air quality can also be worsened by other factors such as:

• Normal pollutants (dirt, dust, pollen, etc.)
• Low humidity
• High CO2 levels
• Pet dander
• Chemicals from cooking, cleaning, and household products

Signs of Poor Air Quality

Since air is usually not visible, it can be hard to tell if IAQ is of a healthy standard. Look for these clues to tell if your indoor air quality is in need of improvement:

• Regular allergy or asthma symptoms indoors
• Colds or respiratory infections
• Headaches
• Throat soreness or irritation
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Musty smells in rooms or the entire property
• Dust build-up
• Condensation on windows
• Mold growth

Research has shown that Utah’s air quality has diminished over time, and the consequences of that can vary from person to person. Air pollution has been linked to short and longterm health conditions. For children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions, these illnesses can be more intense and cause severe health scares. This proves that IAQ should not be treated as a luxury. Seasonal allergies affect millions of people each year. Improving or maintaining IAQ should be a top priority for all Utah homeowners seeking to live a positive lifestyle. 

Upgrade Your HVAC Systems to Increase Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system should be the first place you look to address IAQ concerns. A system in disrepair can end up distributing allergens and bacteria through the space instead of reducing them. Here is how each component of the HVAC system affects indoor air quality:

• Air Filters – Most HVAC systems have standard air filters that can trap large dirt particles to keep your air clean. If someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, it’s smart to invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can trap much smaller particles. Filters should be changed every 3 months to mitigate dust buildup. 
• Ductwork – Air ducts carry air throughout your home. If they’re dirty or lack insulation, then allergens can make their way into your home and decrease IAQ. Professional duct cleaning services can remove debris from the area, improve airflow, and increase energy efficiency. 
• Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers- Humidity that is too low or too high can enable dust and bacteria to flourish inside your home. A safe amount of humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help you find the balance that keeps everyone in your home healthy. 
• Ventilation Systems – Upgrading your ventilation systems helps bring in more fresh oxygen from outside while also reducing pollutant buildup. 

Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Here are some other things you can do to improve IAQ besides upgrading your HVAC system:

• Air Purifiers – Air purifiers work alongside HVAC systems to remove large quantities of airborne pollutants from the environment to protect your lungs. 

• UV Germicidal Lights – UV germicidal lights installed inside your air handler or air ducts neutralize bacteria and viruses on contact. They are especially useful in high-humidity environments. 

• Smart Thermostat – Modern smart thermostats can monitor your home to track the quality of your air. Alerts can notify you of any changes in the air so you can take action to improve the situation. Smart thermostats can also feature automatic settings to adjust things on the fly without your input. 

• Plants – Some indoor plants can remove pollutants from the air and help cultivate a healthier atmosphere.
• Eco-friendly Cleaning Practices – Using cleaning products with fewer toxic chemicals, combined with regular dusting and vacuuming, greatly reduces the amount of pollutants that build up in your home.

Call Crystal Clean Vents Inc. to Secure Your Home’s Air Supply

You may not be aware of it, but indoor air quality is a silent influence on your life. Knowing what hurts and helps air quality is crucial to understanding what can be done to improve the health of your home environment. 

One of the things you can do is call Crystal Clean Vents Inc. We have been aiding homeowners all over the Salt Lake City area and the Wasatch Front by providing top-class air duct cleaning services since 1999. Our expert technicians combine certified knowledge and modern equipment to remove dirt, dust, and debris buildup from your entire HVAC system with a tried and trusted 9-step process. In addition to cleaning your air ducts, Crystal Clean Vents Inc. will also clean your furnace, AC coil, central vacuum system, boiler, and dryer vent. After we complete a project, take the time to thoroughly clean up after ourselves, leaving the only sign of our presence in your home as the crisp, clean air coursing through your home. 

If you’re uneasy about your IAQ, Crystal Clean Vents Inc. is on hand to upgrade your air systems and enable you and your loved ones to breathe the clean air you deserve. If you’re interested in our work, contact us today to schedule a free estimate.