Charlotte Indoor Air Quality

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Charlotte, NC

There is good reason to be concerned about your indoor air quality, as poor indoor air quality can cause or worsen health problems. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your indoor air quality. 

You can’t always see the contaminants in the air, but there are signs that indicate you may have poor indoor air quality. If you or family members have allergy symptoms, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or frequent upper respiratory infections, the air quality may be a contributing factor. A wide variety of factors can be contributing to poor indoor air quality. 

The causes of poor air quality may include: 

• Inadequate ventilation 
• Improperly maintained HVAC equipment 
• Clogged air filters 
• Dampness in the house caused by excessive humidity or plumbing leaks 
• Household chemicals 
• Personal care products 
• Tobacco smoke 

The many air pollutants found inside today’s homes often become trapped inside the house due to lack of proper ventilation and fresh air. Our houses are well insulated and sealed to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort. However, this can also contribute to poor indoor air quality by reducing air exchange between the indoors and outdoors. 

You can improve your air quality by: 

• Opening the windows when using cleaning products or harsh chemicals 
• Replacing air filters regularly 
• Scheduling professional heating and air conditioning maintenance
• Testing the ductwork for leaks 
• Installing equipment to improve air quality 

The equipment that may be helpful for improving your air quality depends on the contaminants in your home. If the humidity level is the problem, you can install a humidifier or dehumidifier. Make sure to keep these clean to avoid problems. Other options include air cleaners, air purifiers, and air filtration systems to remove particulates and neutralize microorganisms.