Indoor Air Quality: Separating Fact From Fiction

There is a lot of confusing information out there about how healthy your air might be, so let’s separate some fact from fiction when it comes to IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).

#1: Household plants will improve your IAQ

Fiction. Indoor plants only remove a miniscule amount of particulate matter from the air, and have a tendency to increase humidity and mold. 

#2: Cooking and cleaning can affect your IAQ

Fact. Cooking introduces smoke and extra humidity to the air, while cleaning introduces volatile organic compounds into your breathing air — Both of which need to be properly ventilated out of your breathing air. 

#3: Opening windows will solve my IAQ problems

Fiction. While opening a window to get fresh air may offer some immediate ventilation, it also opens your home up to more contaminants from the outside. These contaminants are then trapped and recirculated in your air. 

#4: Air Filters Only Catch Dirt and Dust Particles

Fiction: A HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns, with very little impact on your HVAC system efficiency. 

#5: Your ducts aren’t affecting your IAQ

Ducts have a tendency to leak, to collect dirt and dust, and are a safe haven for hidden mold growth. Duct cleaning gives your indoor air a fresh reset!

Looking for whole-home solutions to your IAQ issues? Ask Calfo about improving your IAQ today!