The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked indoor air pollutants as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

On average, Texans spend over 90% of their time indoors. The quality of the air inside your home greatly impacts your com- fort, as well as your overall health. Your home’s air can be dangerous — filled with allergens, bacteria, and toxic compounds. When left untreated, indoor air contaminants accumulate to dangerous levels, posing a great risk to your health — especially for children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are more susceptible to indoor toxic compounds than adults.

Can poor indoor air quality threaten your health?

According to the EPA, the air circulating inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. There are tiny pieces of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, droplets of liquid, and other pollutants in your air called particulate matter. Particulate matter is categorized based on size and is directly related to its potential for causing health problems. The EPA is especially concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers or smaller (PM10). Particles less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in diameter can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. By comparison, the average diameter of a human hair is 70 micrometers. Poor indoor air quality can impact your lung health and cause a wide range of serious health problems:

• • Aggravated or worsened asthma, COPD, and other respiratory ailments

  • Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and lethargy

  • Difficulty in concentrating and thinking clearly

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs

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    Skin irritation and rashes

  • Colds and chronic illnesses

  • Decreased lung function

  • Irregular heartbeat

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    Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system

  • Pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer

Ways to make your indoor air safer and cleaner

Did you know that pollutants can increase your energy costs and caused added wear and tear on your HVAC system? Houston AC Repair Pros is a trusted Houston HVAC company with a proven track record of delivering professional, reliable HVAC and Indoor Air Quality services. Our technicians are factory trained, TDLR licensed, and EPA certified. Houston AC Repair Pros provides and installs a variety of air purification products to give you the freshest, cleanest air possible.

• • Media Filtration. A normal 1-inch furnace filter has one primary function: to keep large objects from damaging your heating and cooling equipment. The dust and dirt that gets beyond that filter accumulates on the furnace and the air conditioning coil, making the system less efficient, increasing your energy bills, raising maintenance costs, and decreasing the life of your HVAC system. Media air cleaners maximize the life of your heating and cooling equipment and improve energy savings by keeping your HVAC equipment clean. A high-efficiency media air filter captures particles as small as 0.3 microns and permanently trap indoor pollen and other common allergens that can lead to respiratory problems. Media air cleaners are also up to 98% effective at collecting viruses, mold spores, bacteria, and pathogens.

  • Electronic Air Cleaners. Electronic air cleaners can maximize the life of your heating and cooling equipment, improve energy savings, and keep your HVAC equipment clean. Electronic air cleaners are designed to filter the air throughout your entire home. Your heating and cooling system moves over 1.5 million cubic feet of polluted air throughout your house everyday. The perfect location to attack indoor air quality issues is inside your HVAC system with products specifically designed to eliminate contaminants without using dangerous chemicals. Portable devices, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room, but they are not intended for whole-house filtration.

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    UV Lights. Bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and other toxins are too small to be stopped by traditional air filters. It’s important to consider the impact these pollutants can have on your long-term health. Intense UV light has proven to be an effective way of eliminating organic pollutants Built with proprietary technology, the REME HALO whole-home, in-duct air purifier is proven to remove up to 99% of microorganisms including staph, MRSA, and COVID — destroying them on the spot. It is capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your HVAC system reaches, leaving behind a fresh, natural smell.

  • Dehumidification. Whole-home dehumidifiers effectively reduce moisture throughout your entire home. This is especially important in warm and humid climates like Houston, TX. Excess moisture can cause your wood furnishings to warp, mold, and even rot. Common allergy triggers thrive in humid environments. Dehumidifiers inhibit unhealthy conditions by reducing the growth of allergens like mold, mildew, and dust mites. When combined with a dehumidifier, your air conditioner will run more efficiently, saving you both energy and money. Whole-house dehumidifiers increase the comfort in your home by getting rid of that cold and clammy feeling while eliminating musty odors. When your home is properly dehumidified, you feel the difference.