Nine Symptoms of Bad Air Quality in Wittmann, AZ, Homes

Arizonans are intimately familiar with how arid our climate can be — all the more so if they don’t have a properly working HVAC system. However, not everyone knows that dryness contributes to bad indoor air quality.

Still, is dry air enough of an issue to call for professional HVAC services in Wittmann, AZ? We certainly think so. Don’t underestimate the symptoms of bad air quality in your home.

What Conditions Can Affect Indoor Air?

Many of the symptoms of bad indoor air quality result from outdoor conditions. Brushfires, for example, clog the air with smoke and release more pollutants as they set anything in their path ablaze.

A properly functioning HVAC system should help mitigate these effects. If you have failed to maintain yours, dust, mold, dander, and other debris may be circulating throughout your property as you read this.

Our Habits Also Affect Air Quality

When looking for reasons behind poor indoor air quality, it helps to take a good look at your daily habits.

For example, cleaners and fresheners that produce lingering fumes could leach contaminants into the air. If you do a lot of woodworking at home, the sawdust remains airborne much longer than you might think. Dust and volatile organic compounds can reach hazardous levels when you’re doing home renovations without a mask.

Noting the little things that affect indoor air conditions goes a long way in improving your air quality.

Nine Symptoms To Watch For

Catching the symptoms of bad air quality at home helps you determine how severe your indoor environment is. If you notice any of the following, we suggest taking immediate action.

#1 Allergy Flare-Ups

Have you been sneezing or coughing more frequently, regardless of the season? Poor indoor air quality may cause allergic reactions and flare-ups year-round, even in those who have never had allergies before.

#2 Unpleasant Odors

Dust, dirt, and pollutants are bad enough in light doses. However, when condensed, the smells they leave behind tend to permeate every room due to poor HVAC maintenance and low ventilation.

#3 Clogged Air Filters

The air filter protects your system from incoming debris. Yours may clog quickly depending on how many people live in your household, whether you have pets, and whether anyone smokes.

#4 Headaches and Dizziness

Poor indoor air quality pollutes the body. At high enough levels, it could lead to persistent headaches, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

#5 Mold or Dust Accumulation

Mold and dust can build up in areas with less ventilation, more airborne debris, and excessive moisture levels.

#6 Eye, Nose, and Sinus Irritation

Getting dust in your eyes or nose is never pleasant. Poor indoor air quality worsens these symptoms since the pollutants in the air have nowhere to go.

#7 Excessively Dry Skin and Eyes

Indoor environments affect people’s health more than they might think. Dry skin and eyes, caused by insufficient humidity, are classic symptoms of poor air quality.

#8 Large Particles Floating in the Air

Generally, the air in your property should be relatively clean and clear of anything visible. Too much floating debris could indicate poor air quality and is likely going into your lungs.

#9 Emerging or Worsening Respiratory Issues

With airborne pollutants and debris clogging your air, your lungs must work overtime, causing or worsening respiratory issues.

Ways You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Cleaning your indoor air doesn’t have to be strenuous. A few easy actions and habits will increase the comfort and breathability of your indoor air within minutes.

Check the Air Filter

If you can, check the air filter for your HVAC system. While you should change the filter at least every three months, doing so more frequently makes more sense for those who use their systems often.

Maintain the HVAC System

Professional system maintenance helps you control air quality. If you are unsure what this entails, rely on a licensed technician to handle everything for you.

Monitor the Humidity

Arizona’s arid climate makes maintaining humidity levels difficult. We generally need 30-60% relative humidity (RH) for optimal comfort. Otherwise, you may start seeing common symptoms of bad air quality in home environments.