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It may be a surprise that here in New Jersey indoor air pollutants are often much more concentrated than outdoor pollutants. Modern homes are typically tightly constructed and highly insulated, which, while important for energy efficiency, also creates the ideal conditions to trap indoor pollutants and allow them to accumulate to unhealthy levels. Understanding the negative effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can help motivate homeowners to take action steps towards improvement.

Children and the elderly are most sensitive to compromised IAQ, yet nearly everyone is affected to a certain degree and HVAC equipment will suffer if the circulating air is not properly filtered before entering your machinery. A partial list of some of the negative effects of poor indoor air quality include:

  • Respiratory and breathing issues such as allergies and asthma. People with pre-existing respiratory symptoms often become significantly worse in a home with low IAQ and may experience chronic shortness of breath, difficulty breathing during sleep, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.
  • A predisposition to illness. In homes where mold, mildew, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants are present at high levels, household members may find themselves frequently ill, as their immune systems will be overworked from constant exposure to pollutants in your home’s air.
  • Reduced lifespan of your HVAC system. When airborne particulates are allowed to enter your HVAC machinery (as a result of a dirty HVAC air filter), your unit will be unable to function optimally and will need to be replaced much sooner than when air filters are changed regularly.
  • Increased energy usage. For similar reasons to how poor IAQ reduces the lifespan of your HVAC system, it also increases energy use as a result of airborne particulates forcing your HVAC unit to work less efficiently.

Since the year 2000, homeowners in northern New Jersey have been able to trust the reliable staff at Pipe Works Services for help meeting their home comfort needs. If you would like to learn more about the negative effects of poor indoor air quality and your options for IAQ improvement, give us a call today!

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