You might not be able to see it with your naked eye, but the air inside your home may contain more than just oxygen. When the HVAC system is on or the windows are open, dust, allergens, and debris can infiltrate your home and harm your overall indoor air quality. Since air quality is directly related to what you breathe, it’s important to keep these elements out as much as possible. To help you and your loved ones breathe easier—and protect your health—here are a few reasons why indoor air quality should be a priority and how you can improve it.

What Are the Dangers of Poor Air Quality?

There are many potential health risks associated with poor indoor air quality. Most notably, people who have allergies or asthma may find that breathing in contaminated air will trigger flare-ups of symptoms—such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and restricted breathing.

But this problem doesn’t only impact those with allergies or asthma. It can also be harmful to all others in the home. For example, people with poor indoor air quality often complain of skin problems—including excessive dryness and itchiness. Others may have a hard time breathing clearly at night, which in turn, may harm the quality of their sleep.

How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?

One of the easiest—and most effective—ways to keep your indoor air as clean as possible is to routinely change the filters in your heater and cooling system. When changed about once every 60 to 90 days, these devices will capture the majority of the dust and debris that passes through the system from the outdoors. Changing the air filter will also help your equipment run more efficiently, as a clogged filter may force the system to work harder than necessary to produce the desired temperatures.

Apart from changing the air filter, you should also conduct duct cleaning about once or twice a year. Even if the air filter is working properly, debris and allergens can accumulate inside of the ventilation system, making it easy for the contaminants to enter your home.

If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, J.J. Smith Heating & Cooling is here to help you breathe with confidence. Serving the Cincinnati, OH area, this heating and air conditioner contractor will inspect your system to make sure it’s well-maintained and able to effectively eliminate contaminants from the air. They also offer comprehensive AC and furnace repairs to ensure that your system is running efficiently. To learn more about these capabilities, visit this heating and cooling service online. For service in Anderson, Union, or Pierce Township, call (513) 231-1156.