HVAC
Indoor air quality services in West Chicago, IL

Although you may not realize it, your home’s air supply can contain contaminants. The EPA warns of the dangers of indoor air quality issues, and indoor air pollution levels can rise to five times that of the outdoors. Common pollutants include dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, volatile organic compounds, viruses, and bacteria. If you have poor ventilation, an old HVAC system, or humidity issues, indoor air pollution can worsen. Since many people spend most of their time indoors, indoor air pollution is a serious problem. Air Choice Heating & Cooling from West Chicago, IL, wants our customers to know the dangers and solutions. Knowing the symptoms of poor indoor air quality can help protect your family.

Common Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The symptoms of poor IAQ are often overlooked or mistaken for other health concerns. However, several symptoms can be looked for to determine if you have poor indoor air quality.

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are among the most common symptoms of indoor air quality problems. You may notice your breathing becomes strained. You can also develop coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you have asthma or allergies, your respiratory symptoms could worsen, and you are likely to experience increased flare-ups. Even healthy people can experience lung irritation when exposed to indoor air pollution.

Chronic Headaches

You may develop frequent headaches or feel as if pressure rises inside your head. If multiple family members complain of headaches, you may have a problem with VOCs or carbon monoxide. Gases can come from cleaning products, air fresheners, and poorly ventilated gas appliances.

Fatigue and Trouble Concentrating

Do you often feel tired, sluggish, or in a mental fog while indoors? If so, indoor air pollution could be the cause. Exposure to airborne chemicals and gases can impact the brain. These issues are more likely to occur in West Chicago homes or offices with ineffective ventilation systems.

Allergy-Like Symptoms

Poor indoor air quality can often cause symptoms that mimic allergies. You may develop a runny nose, itching eyes, sneezing, or a sore throat. If you suffer from allergies, poor indoor air quality can worsen your symptoms. Common indoor allergens in West Chicago include pet dander, dust mites, and cockroach particles.

Skin Irritation

If your air is overly dry and filled with particles, you can develop skin irritation, such as dryness or itching. Certain indoor pollutants, like formaldehyde and VOCs, can irritate the skin and cause rashes. These air quality issues can also worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Dizziness and Nausea

Feeling dizzy or nauseous while indoors or near certain appliances can be a red flag for poor IAQ. Your home may have carbon monoxide leaks, inadequate ventilation, or exposure to VOCs. You should never ignore these symptoms, especially if multiple family members have them.

Increased Sickness

Have you noticed your family members getting sick often? The air pollution inside your home could be reducing your immune system function. Poor air quality can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread. Your family may experience more colds, sinus infections, and flu-like illnesses.

Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

We want you to understand the common sources of poor indoor air quality. Understanding the causes can help you take the correct actions to protect your family.

  • Poor HVAC system maintenance
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Mold growth due to humidity issues
  • Pet hair and dander
  • Dust buildup in ductwork
  • Wood-burning stoves or tobacco smoke
  • Chemicals, paints, and cleaners
  • Gas leaks

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improving your indoor air quality begins with awareness. You can make simple changes around your home that can help, and there are also professional interventions we can provide.

Improve Ventilation

Open windows when the weather allows and use the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen. We can help you determine if you need to upgrade your ventilation system.

Change Your Filters

Dirty, clogged filters can prevent your HVAC system from circulating air properly. Eventually, your HVAC system components can become caked with dirt and grime, which circulates in your air. You should change your filters every one to three months and consider options like HEPA filtration.

Install an Air Cleaner

Our HVAC technicians at Air Choice Heating & Cooling can help you improve indoor air quality by installing an air cleaner. Our advanced air cleaners remove allergens, dust, dander, and other particles. We can also install a UV light system to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses. These work with your HVAC system to protect your family.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

You need to schedule annual HVAC maintenance to ensure your system works safely and effectively. Maintenance includes inspection, cleaning, and testing. A well-maintained HVAC system can help protect your indoor air quality.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Air Choice Heating & Cooling is a heating and cooling company that opened our doors in 2013. We are a local, family-owned business that guarantees your 100% satisfaction. We install, maintain, and repair air cleaners and UV light systems. Our indoor air quality solutions will help your family breathe easier.

Call Air Choice Heating & Cooling if you are concerned about your air quality in West Chicago.

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