The quality of the air you breathe in your home may affect your health and mood, which is why you should be aware of the things that affect your indoor air quality. Here are some of the sources of contaminants that may foul your indoor air:

1. Indoor Combustion

Indoor combustion systems are some of the most serious producers of indoor pollutants. The pollutants depend on the type of fuel used, the type of appliance, and the efficiency of the appliance. However, the common pollutants include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and smoke particles, among others.

2. Smoking

Smoking is one of the most avoidable sources of indoor pollution. Shisha (or hookah), cigarettes and e-cigarettes all produce pollutants that may foul your indoor air when the products are used inside the house. Tobacco products contain numerous chemicals and pollutants that can all foul your indoor air.

3. Mold

Mold is another form of indoor air pollution that you should worry about. Mold growth is encouraged by the presence of condensation or dampness. There are different types of mold; some of them are poisonous while all of them can affect your respiratory health. There are also those who are allergic to mold and can experience serious reactions if they breathe in the mold.

4. Pets

You should also know that your adorable pets also contribute to indoor air pollution. Pet-related pollution occurs in two main ways. First, the pets can bring outdoor pollutants into their house when they come inside with dirty feet or with things caught up on their furs. Secondly, and this is the most serious, pets shed dander and fur or hair all over the house.

5. VOCs

Volatile organic compounds, VOCs, are unstable organic compounds found in common household products such as paints, cleaning products, and pesticides, floor coverings, and air fresheners, among others. Though it is not easy to detect VOCs, they cause multiple health effects such as headaches, throat irritations, and dizziness.

6. Pests

Lastly, you may also have an indoor air pollution problem due to a pest infestation problem. Pests affect indoor air pollution in different ways; for example, their droppings may scatter all over the house and foul it. Some pests also foul the air when building nesting places using materials from outside the house, such as dirt or leaves.

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems play a much bigger role in indoor air quality than most people know. For example, HVAC systems control humidity, ventilate the house, and filter the air. Your HVAC will only succeed in all these things if it is properly sized and well maintained. Consult an HVAC services technician for more information on how your HVAC can help you breath good quality air.

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