Ottawa Indoor Air Quality Services

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Many homeowners might not realize that the air inside their homes can be more polluted than the air outside it. You should be aware of the warning signs of a problem.

You may need our Ottawa indoor air quality services if you are dealing with any of the following issues:

• Persistent, unexplained health issues. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory issues, and frequent allergic reactions, like sneezing or coughing, could be signs of continued exposure to airborne pollutants or allergens. If these types of symptoms have no other apparent cause and subside when you spend time outdoors or away from your home, poor indoor air quality may be to blame. 
• Unpleasant odours. Musty or mouldy smells can indicate the presence of mould growth, while chemical-like odours may suggest volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or off-gassing from household items.
• Visible mould growth. Spotting mould growth on walls, ceilings, or in damp areas like bathrooms and basements means your indoor air quality has likely been compromised. Mould spores can easily become airborne, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues.
• Excessive dust and dirt. An unusual accumulation of dust and dirt, particularly around vents and on surfaces, can signal inadequate filtration or ventilation systems. Poor air circulation allows particulate matter to settle and degrade the quality of indoor air.
• High humidity levels. Homes that consistently experience high humidity levels can suffer from poor air quality. High humidity not only promotes mould growth but also can make the air feel stifling and uncomfortable. Condensation on windows is often a visible sign of excessive indoor humidity.
• Stale or stuffy air. A constant sensation of stale or stuffy air can point to a lack of proper ventilation. Without the exchange of outdoor and indoor air, pollutants become concentrated indoors, leading to degraded air quality.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

A variety of factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Figuring out what is specifically behind your home’s air quality challenges is the first step to improving it. 

Contributors to poor indoor air quality can include:

• Inadequate ventilation. Poor ventilation can be a key cause of indoor air pollution. Without sufficient air exchange, contaminants can become concentrated within the home. Everyday activities like cooking and cleaning release various pollutants that build up in the absence of proper airflow. Ensuring adequate ventilation can help disperse these contaminants and introduce fresh air into the living space.
• Household chemicals. Many everyday household products contain VOCs, which can evaporate and degrade indoor air quality. Paints, cleaners, disinfectants, and air fresheners often contain VOCs. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues, including respiratory irritation and headaches. 
• Moisture and mould. Excessive moisture levels can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which release spores into the air. These spores can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Moisture can accumulate from poor ventilation, leaky roofs, insufficient waterproofing, or high humidity.
• Indoor smoking. Tobacco smoke significantly impacts indoor air quality. It contains a complex mixture of over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and can cause serious health problems. Secondhand smoke can persist in the air and seep into furniture, carpets, and walls, creating long-lasting pollutants.
• Building materials. Some building materials can release harmful chemicals over time. Asbestos, lead-based paint, and certain types of insulation are notorious for emitting hazardous substances. Even some newer materials can off-gas formaldehyde and other VOCs, potentially affecting air quality.
• Dust and allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate within homes, diminishing air quality. These particles can exacerbate allergies and asthma, leading to discomfort and health issues. 
• Combustion appliances. Heating and cooking appliances that use natural gas or other fuels can emit pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. Poor maintenance or ventilation of these appliances can lead to a build-up of harmful gases indoors.

Poor indoor air quality shouldn’t be a mystery. At Francis Home Environment, our Ottawa indoor air quality services include comprehensive assessments that can identify the root causes of unhealthy air.

We can employ several methods to diagnose the factors contributing to poor indoor air quality, including:

• Conducting an indoor air quality test. These tests measure levels of various pollutants, including VOCs, mould spores, dust mites, and other allergens. The results will highlight specific contaminants that need attention and help in forming a targeted mitigation strategy.
• Assessing your HVAC system. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. Assessing your HVAC systems for cleanliness and proper functioning can reveal issues such as clogged filters, dirty ducts, or inadequate ventilation. Regular maintenance and changing filters every few months can significantly improve air circulation and quality.
• Checking for mould and moisture. We know where to look for mould, particularly in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and behind appliances. Our team can also detect hidden mould that may not be immediately visible. Our technicians can use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels and recommend solutions to help maintain an optimal level of 30-50%. 
• Evaluating the use of potentially harmful household products. We can review the chemical-based products used within your home, including cleaners, paints, and air fresheners. Switching to low-VOC or natural alternatives can reduce the release of harmful chemicals. Additionally, proper storage and usage of these products, such as using them in well-ventilated areas or outside, can minimize their impact on indoor air quality.
• Investigating building materials. If your home is older, it may contain some of the potentially harmful building materials that can compromise indoor air quality. Even newer homes can occasionally contain problematic materials.
• Observing combustion appliance performance. We can check that all of your combustion appliances, including your gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces, are working as intended, meet safety standards, and are properly ventilated.

How We Can Help Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining excellent indoor air quality requires a proactive, strategic approach, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. We have the tools to address and mitigate the various causes of indoor air pollution and can implement solutions designed to promote a healthier home environment. After carefully evaluating your home, we can walk you through what we are recommending and why. 

Our Ottawa indoor air quality services include:

• UV air purification. UV air purification is a highly effective method for enhancing indoor air quality by leveraging the power of ultraviolet (UV) light. This technology focuses on using UV-C light, which has been proven to have germicidal properties. One of the primary benefits of UV air purification is its ability to neutralize airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When these microorganisms are exposed to UV-C light, their DNA and RNA are disrupted, rendering them unable to replicate. UV air purifiers are also effective in inhibiting the growth of mould and mildew, which thrive in damp environments. Incorporating UV air purifiers within HVAC systems can help maintain cleaner components, such as coils and filters, by preventing microbial growth. Clean HVAC components result in more efficient operation, as the system doesn't have to work as hard to circulate air through clogged or contaminated parts.
• Duct cleaning. Regular duct cleaning is a crucial aspect of maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Over time, HVAC ducts can accumulate dust, debris, and other contaminants that compromise the cleanliness of the air circulating throughout your home. We can effectively remove these accumulations, ensuring cleaner air circulation and reducing the potential for respiratory problems. Our team can also remove other contaminants, such as pet dander, pollen, and chemical residues.
• Humidifiers. Humidifiers can help achieve and maintain optimal humidity levels. In doing so, they can provide a host of benefits for both health and comfort. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels can alleviate symptoms associated with dry air, such as dry throat, cough, and sinus irritation. Humidifiers can also help maintain skin hydration by adding necessary moisture back into the air, thereby preventing skin discomfort and promoting overall skin health.

Let Francis Home Environment help you breathe easier! Call (343) 453-5603 or contact us online today.