Air quality can have a huge impact on your comfort and health. In the Phoenix area, we have some of the highest ozone levels in the nation, ranking fifth overall according to the American Lung Association. The city also ranks seventh for particle pollution.
Any air pollution can have harmful effects on your family, especially children, seniors, or those with health problems, so it’s important to understand the causes and how to improve your indoor air quality.
Causes of Air Pollution in Phoenix
According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Phoenix has over 100 days annually with unhealthy levels of air pollution. The most common causes include:
- Ozone: Often found in car and truck exhaust, wildfire smoke, and emissions from fuel-burning power plants, ozone is a large source of poor air quality that can affect your health.
- Transportation: Exhaust from cars, trucks, semis, and trains often contain ozone and pollutants.
- Wildfires: The soot and smoke from wildfires contain many harmful pollutants that can affect the air quality for a significant amount of time.
- Energy production: Power plants fueled by diesel, coal, and natural gas can release emissions and air pollutants during use.
- Dust: Airborne dirt and dust can make breathing difficult and reduce air quality, especially on windy or stormy days.
- Pollen: During the spring and summer, pollen from flowering plants can significantly impact air quality, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
- Mold: Mold and mildew constantly release spores to reproduce, which can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms or even cause illnesses.
How Does Pollution Affect Phoenix Homeowners
Air pollution can affect both your health and your comfort. Airborne particles like soot, pollen, and mold spores can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to flu or cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, or wheezing. They can also make breathing more difficult for those with allergies, asthma, or COPD. To improve your family’s comfort and health, it’s important to make your home as free of airborne pollutants as possible.
How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Some of the most effective and affordable ways to improve your indoor air quality include:
- Cleaning regularly: Frequent dusting and vacuuming, as well as cleaning bedding, curtains, and carpets often, can help to minimize dust and other airborne particles in your home.
- Replacing your HVAC air filter often: Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced whenever they’re dirty or clogged to ensure they can trap pollutants effectively.
- Scheduling HVAC maintenance yearly: Annual service visits will keep your HVAC system clean, efficient, and running properly.
- Cleaning and repairing your ductwork: Air ducts can collect dust, pollen, and other particles over time, especially if they have loose fasteners, leaking joints, or physical damage.
- Installing a whole-home air filter: Air filtration systems, air scrubbers, or air purifiers can actively remove contaminants from the air in your home.
Choose Penguin for Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Phoenix
Take control of your home’s indoor air quality with help from our team at Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical. We offer everything from HVAC maintenance and repairs to duct cleaning and air purifier installations. Plus, our work is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
Our company offers excellent service with upfront pricing. We strive to be your one-stop shop for all your home comfort needs in the Phoenix area, including air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services.
Want to improve your indoor air quality? Call us at (480) 550-9943 now to schedule indoor air quality services in Phoenix, AZ, or the surrounding areas.