What’s the Air Quality Like Where Your Live?
The air we breathe indoors and out has a significant effect on our day-to-day lives and our long-term health at the same time. Yes, we can improve our indoor environment by upgrading our air conditioning and air purifiers to promote better breathing inside the home, but outdoors is a whole different story.
Let’s look at what influences the quality of the air outside and how to find out your local air quality every day!
What Influences Outdoor Air Quality?
There is a litany of factors in the formula of overall air quality in your area, including:
Population Density
Pollution is a relatively new phenomenon regarding human existence but has dramatically impacted our climate and air quality in that short time. Pollution became a problem at the height of the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution was at its peak.
Countless factories burning fuel and dumping waste without regulations saw areas with a high population density receive poor air quality. Even with regulations in place today, motorized vehicles and industrial plants still make metro areas' air quality a little more poor than in rural areas.
Weather/Climate
Another significant influence on local air quality is day-to-day weather and the overall climate of the year. If it’s a hot and sunny year, poor air quality increases as drier conditions prompt pollutants to undergo chemical reactions while more dust accumulates in the atmosphere.
The inverse can be said about a rainy year, as precipitation washes away ground irritants while suppressing some pollutants. In addition to rain or lack thereof, wind speed and direction play a factor in local air quality.
Local Geography
Elevation and the overall biosphere affect local air quality as well. Higher altitudes generally mean thinner air, while native plants and trees carry unique allergens.
How Can I Find Out My Local Air Quality?
Minnesota has a website dedicated to specific air quality all across the state. The website shows you the current air quality, a legend for seamless comprehension, and a three-day forecast with a detailed overview.
Additionally, your local news station should cover it in their weather segments!
How Does Air Quality Affect the Air in My Home?
Your home protects you from many things, but unfortunately, the air quality outside can affect your breathing air inside your home. Outdoor pollution can seep into your home, which includes particulate matter, gases like nitrogen dioxide and ozone, and volatile organic compounds.
Some other ways air quality affects the air in your home include:
Allergens
Airborne allergens like pollen and dust can negatively affect indoor air quality, which can enter your home. Allergens have health consequences like respiratory problems and allergies.
Humidity and Mold
High humidity levels can encourage mold growth and dust mites, worsening indoor air quality and posing health risks. Mold spores from outside can become airborne and enter your home.
Other Health Impacts
Other air quality problems include respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, headaches, fatigue, and more severe conditions over time.
How Do I Fix My Indoor Air Quality?
Now that you know how air quality can affect your home, it’s time to take steps to improve your indoor air quality to mitigate some of the problems we’ve listed above. Improving indoor air quality can have many positive benefits, like reducing allergies and improving overall health.
Air Purifiers
Adding a whole-home air purifier can help drastically improve your home’s air quality. Air purifiers extract particulates from the air and trap them, allowing clean air to fill your home. Air purifiers can also help remove odors from your home. Allergens in the home will be reduced, and you’ll breathe much easier.
Replace HVAC Filters
Regular HVAC maintenance, like replacing filters, is important for improving air quality. Filters become dirty from dust and other contaminants, and if they’re too full, they can kick out dirty air into your home. Replace your air filters monthly during high-allergen months.
Breathe Better Air With Quality Systems Heating & Cooling
For solutions to your heating, cooling, and overall air quality, choose Quality Systems Heating & Cooling! We can help you install a new whole-house air purifier, check your HVAC system for problems, and keep everything running smoothly. We are committed to making sure your breathable air is fresh and safe!
Receive a quote online or give us a call at 952-226-2665 today!