How Does Air Quality Affect Your Health?

We breathe an average of 20,000 times every day. That is a significant amount when we compare it to the three meals we eat each day. If we are careful about what we eat, shouldn’t we be even more cautious about what we breathe?

Do you often get nose bleeds or chapped lips? Or are you often congested or short of breath? This could mean that the air in your home is either too dry or too humid and needs to be remedied.

Problems Caused by Poor Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation results in poor air quality and can produce several adverse health effects.

What are these adverse effects?

Air that is too dry leads to:

• Nasal congestion
• Nosebleeds
• Dry eyes
• Chapped lips
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin

Air that is too humid leads to:

• Sinus congestion
• Mucus build-up
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Colds
• Allergies
• Asthma

Damp air causes mould, which in turn causes its own set of problems:

• Increased asthma-related symptoms
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Recurring cold symptoms (runny nose and congested sinuses)

You can spot mould problems by small black spots on walls and carpets and rings on walls and ceilings that indicate water infiltration.

Windows that constantly fog up in the winter is a sign that humidity levels are too high. If this is your case, make needed changes before mould begins to form.

Solutions to Improve Air Quality

Owning a good air exchanger is the best solution to improve air quality throughout your home. Energy recovery air exchangers (ERV) keep moisture out in the summer and add moisture in the winter when indoor air is drier. Air exchangers also help remove contaminants from the air, and they recover heat, saving you money on your heating bills.

Eliminate contaminants at the source. Second-hand cigarette smoke is one of the most harmful pollutants that could be in your home. Choose to make your home a smoke-free one.

Turn on the range hood in the kitchen while you cook and the bathroom fan when taking a shower. Leave them on for at least 30 minutes afterward.

Avoid hanging wet or damp laundry inside. Use the dryer or hang clothes outside.

Leave curtains or blinds open to prevent condensation on your windows, especially in the colder months. Dry the windowsill immediately if they are wet.

Clean up mould with soap and warm water if it covers less than one square meter. If it doesn’t come off easily, consider replacing the infected surface with new materials. If the mould covers a larger area, call a professional to remove it.

Replace damaged grout, caulking, or tiles around sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

Fix any leaks as soon as you find them.

Vacuum often and wash your sheets weekly in hot water.

Leave interior doors open.

Open windows as often as possible when exterior air quality is good.

Monitor Your Air Conditioner

When the weather is hot, everyone appreciates owning an air conditioner or heat pump to cool down; they reduce the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems. But beware of significant temperature differences!

A significant temperature difference can create tension in the musculoskeletal system and can lead to thermal shock.

Exposure to large temperature swings can cause health problems such as:

• Torticollis
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Dryness and irritation of the eyes
• Loss of voice
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis, especially in people with allergies

A poorly maintained air conditioner can also worsen allergy symptoms. Mould can lead to respiratory infections ranging from a cold to a severe lung infection.

How to Use Your Air Conditioner

Effectively

It’s recommended to have a temperature difference of no more than 8°C between inside and outside the house.

At night, avoid direct exposure to the cold air outlet. If possible, place the air conditioner in a room adjacent to the bedroom, or run it during the day, and turn it off at night.

Choose air conditioners with an air purification system.

Clean or replace air conditioning system filters regularly.

Make sure there is no standing water in your air conditioner.

Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for proper maintenance of your air conditioning system, and have it serviced by a professional at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

Follow the same recommendations while you drive. Avoid significant temperature differences and don’t point cold air directly at you.

Choose a System that Best Meets Your Needs

Not sure which system is best for your home and your needs? The team at MST is here to help!

Our specialists will visit your home to evaluate which system will best suit your needs.

Whether you’re looking for an air exchanger, air conditioner, heat pump, or air purifier, MST has what you need.

MST is a family-owned business that has grown over the years. At MST, expect none other than:

• Honest consultants who help you find the right system for you, no more, no less.
• Trained, competent, and certified technicians.
• Fast and efficient service.
• Support before, during, and after your purchase.

The satisfaction, comfort, and health of our customers is our priority!