Indoor vs Outdoor Air Pollution: The Difference and How HVAC Maintenance Can Help

The quality of the air we breathe is important to all aspects of our health and well-being. Different types of air pollution can affect air quality, including indoor and outdoor air pollution, which both come in several forms. Understanding them can help you create a healthier environment in your home.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air circulating inside your home. It often includes and is caused by things like:

• Allergens
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Household product VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• Smoking
• Cooking

This can make your home smell unpleasant, but more importantly, it can impact your breathing. Those with asthma or allergies or who are younger will struggle more with indoor air pollution and air quality.

What Is Outdoor Air Pollution?

Outdoor air pollution is the harmful substances that are found in the air that is located outside. You’ll often find more pollution in cities and urban areas, as it’s made up of particulate matter, ozone, and VOCs and comes from vehicles, manufacturing and industrial operations, and other sources.

Outdoor air pollution can affect breathing and respiration when you are outdoors. It can also have an impact on cardiovascular health with long-term exposure to pollution, as well as overall well-being. Wildfires and pollen can also be sources of air pollution outdoors but are more difficult to avoid.

How Can I Protect My Family?

The best thing you can do is keep your HVAC system in top condition at all times. Routine maintenance will ensure that your system is clean of debris, dust, and potential mold or mildew. Plus, changing your filters will help keep the air cleaner as it circulates.

You can consult with an HVAC expert to find out if you should install a whole-home purification system, but that might be a little costly for some people. You can improve your indoor air quality by making small changes in several ways, but you may not have as much control over the outside pollution.

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

In addition to providing cleaner air to breathe, other benefits come from having your HVAC system maintained properly:

• Lower energy bills
• Fewer repairs and lower repair costs
• Extended system lifespan
• Protection from property damage and mold issues

If you need HVAC maintenance, reach out to the team at Elite Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning today. We can help you improve your home’s air quality and ensure your system is functioning at its best.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding pollution is always the best choice when it’s an option. However, there are some instances where you may not be able to escape it. Inside of your home, there’s always an option. Contact us now to find out how you can make simple changes to breathe better air and how our team can help.