In the Asheville area, we enjoy some of the best mountain air in the country. However, since we’ve learned to seal up our homes to make them more efficient, our indoor air quality sometimes isn’t what it should be. The air trapped in our home may contain unhealthy substances. Using good filters in heating and air equipment helps — but only to a certain extent. In order to breathe better inside our homes, three other practices may be necessary:

Testing

There are some things inside our homes that wouldn’t be welcomed if we were aware of them. Mold, formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, radon and benzene are just a few. Radon can be tested by the homeowner. Test kits are available at many home improvement stores or other outlets. If you suspect a high presence of other chemicals, a professional with the proper training and equipment may be required for testing. In small amounts, most of these are not harmful. In higher concentrations or for a prolonged period, some can impair the health.

Detection

Detection devices are another method of ensuring good indoor air quality. Two of these are carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Proper placement of both are essential in giving an early alert to the presence of either smoke or carbon monoxide gas.

Source Removal

Mold can colonize behind walls or wallpaper, radon penetrates through the foundation and formaldehyde can be present in furniture, carpets or building materials. Once tested, the source of a high concentration of a harmful substance can be found, removed or neutralized.

Your home may be perfectly safe from any of these substances. But, if health problems are present and unexplained, investigation of your indoor air quality may determine the problem. Keeping indoor air fresh is essential for good health. Knowing what’s in our air helps us be sure.

If you are uncertain about your home’s indoor air quality, contact us at Smoky Mountain Heating & Air.  Whenever you have home comfort questions, call on us for the answers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Smoky Mountain Heating & Air services Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!