Fresh Indoor Air Matters: Why and How To Protect Yourself From Contaminated Air

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There’s a reason we don’t drink water from any old source. Even if you can’t see bacteria, fungi and chemical pollutants, you know they might be swimming around in there. Drinking purified water helps you protect your body with every sip.

But are you as careful when it comes to the air you breathe? Do you know what’s lurking in the air around you at home? You may not realize it, but there are equally nasty contaminants circulating indoors, contributing to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and lots of negative health effects.

Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself and your family from polluted air at home — from why it matters to what solutions can help.

Your indoor air is more contaminated than you might think

Contaminants get easily trapped inside modern, airtight houses. These types of homes are designed to be sealed off from the elements and energy-efficient, but what’s good for your utility bill isn’t exactly great for your air quality.

In fact, the air inside your home contains 2 to 5 times more pollutants than the air outside. According to the EPA, that ratio is the same even in big cities and industrial areas where pollution levels are higher.

Without fresh air coming in on a regular basis, you’re not getting relief from the pollution that builds up inside. You take about 22,000 breaths per day — and 90% of those breaths happen indoors. In other words, you could be spending most of your day inhaling harmful contaminants while you’re at home.

You’re probably experiencing some of the symptoms of poor indoor air quality

With harmful particles circulating in the air you breathe, you might be suffering the side effects. If you notice yourself or a family member consistently waking up groggy, feeling lethargic or suffering from allergies, it might not be a coincidence.

These are some of the most common symptoms of contaminated air in the home:

• Allergens: When irritants like pet dander, dust and pollen get trapped inside, they can aggravate asthma and cause uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.
• Toxic gases: House paint, carpeting and even your dry cleaning can give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mix with the air indoors. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea, as well as damage to your organs and nervous system.
• Viruses: Airborne viruses like the common cold, viral meningitis and influenza that get trapped inside can leave you with a cough and sore throat, body aches, lethargy and other symptoms of common illnesses.
• Mold and dust mites: Dust mites and mold thrive in humid homes and can amplify other issues like allergic sensitivities and even illnesses.

With all of those contaminants working against you, your immune system can’t keep up. Even if you’re in reasonably good health, polluted indoor air can leave you feeling sick without really knowing why. Family members like children and elderly loved ones can be even more sensitive to these invisible issues.

Breathe yourself back to better health with the right solutions

The good news is that it’s possible to protect yourself with the right systems at home. These solutions can fight back against the unfriendly particles floating around the air:

• Air filters remove airborne irritants.
• Ionization units catch microscopic particles
• Fresh air dampers dilute contaminated air.
• Dehumidifiers eliminate excess humidity.
• Air purifiers neutralize VOCs and toxins.
• Routine maintenance keeps your AC system clean.
• Duct inspections seal leaking ductwork.

An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure. Once you remove the contaminants in the air, your home can become a safer place rather than a danger zone for your lungs. After getting your IAQ under control, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of cleaner indoor air, like being ablt to recharge your immune system while at home.

With fewer contaminants in the air, you can breathe cleaner and feel your best, every day. When your system has fewer airborne enemies to battle overnight, you’ll get a better night’s sleep. This means you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and have an easier time staying healthy. Chances are, you’ll start experiencing fewer symptoms like allergies and irritation. This may even help reduce your medical expenses!

An added perk is that you’ll wake up every day to a cleaner environment. Instead of dust-coated furniture and unpleasant odors, you’ll notice the appearance and smell of fresher, cleaner surroundings.

With IAQ solutions in place to do the dirty work of catching contaminants, you can worry less about dusting surfaces and spraying deodorizers around your home. That adds up to spending less time on chores and more time with family and friends.

Take the first step toward safer air in your home with Tiger Services

Tired of the side effects of IAQ and ready to clean up your indoor air for good? Start with a free phone consultation with a trusted fresh air specialist at Tiger Services.

When you give us a call, we’ll take the time to learn about the specific issues you’re experiencing and help you plan out the best course of action. For many homeowners in San Antonio, this means starting with an Indoor Air Evaluation and comprehensive indoor air quality testing.

No matter what issues we uncover, we’ll recommend the best solutions to make sure everyone living under your roof can breathe cleaner air and recharge at home.

Call or text Tiger Services today at (210) 344-0060 to get started.

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