An air quality test is a way to determine whether your household’s air contains toxins, contaminants, or pollutants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 90% of people worldwide encounter some form of air pollution daily. In addition, around 93% of children under 18 live in environments with air pollution that exceeds WHO’s acceptable levels. While most people associate air pollution with smog and other outdoor toxins, household contaminants are also harmful since many people spend considerable time indoors. A look at the most compelling reasons for indoor air quality testing can help you feel more knowledgeable and confident about every breath you take within the home.

WHAT CAUSES POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Poor indoor air quality results from high concentrations of pollutants within any designated space. It can also result from problems with pressurization and ventilation, poor circulation amid extreme temperatures, or humidity. If you suspect a change in your air quality due to these factors, you can contact an HVAC specialist for a professional evaluation.

INDOOR CONTAMINANTS AND POLLUTANTS

Indoor contaminants can originate from chemicals, biological specimens, and organic compounds. Chemical pollutants include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and radon. These pollutants can be derived from furniture, house paint, cleaning products, carpets, or the ground beneath your home. Toxic combustion fumes from cooking fuels and second-hand tobacco can also linger in rooms and compromise indoor air quality. Other inorganic contaminants like dust, asbestos particles, or lead can result from inefficient housekeeping, construction, or outdated household goods.

While most chemical pollutants are serious, many homeowners find carbon monoxide and radon among the most alarming. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, flammable, and poisonous gas that can seep from various locations in a house. Sources of carbon monoxide poisoning include gas stoves, space heaters, gas appliances, and garages. Often nicknamed the “silent killer,” this chemical can harm pets, small children, and the elderly. If left unchecked, carbon monoxide leaks can be lethal. An HVAC professional can test the air for this chemical and install detectors or additional help as needed.

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas naturally present in rocks and soil. It can seep into the home through cracks in the foundation or sump pumps. Radon can also occur in high concentrations within basements or older homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Individuals purchasing a home or who plan to use the basement as a bedroom or man cave should test for radon. You can also check with the health department to see if you live in a high-radon region.

Biological pollutants include mold, mildew, algae, and fungi. These contaminants are often the result of unchecked moisture from plumbing leaks, high humidity, or indoor plants. Other biological contaminants include dander, pet fur, and dust mites. These particles are some of the leading causes of household allergens. Finally, homeowners should also consider testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can exacerbate preexisting respiratory issues.

PRESSURIZATION AND VENTILATION

Poor ventilation can cause otherwise low levels of contaminants to become concentrated in one area or room. For example, a kitchen with a gas leak and underperforming vents can pose a safety hazard to the building’s occupants. Likewise, when there is no air circulation in rooms, it can impact the building’s pressurization. Fortunately, an HVAC professional can check vents and circulation to determine whether your home has problems with airflow.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

Extreme temperatures and humidity can also affect indoor air quality. For one, higher humidity levels naturally reduce air circulation. This means that unwanted particles can essentially become trapped in the air. Hot temperatures and high humidity can also create the perfect breeding environment for certain types of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Even cold weather can impact air quality since homeowners are more likely to turn up heaters and gas devices. Any leakage problems with these devices can then affect the caliber of your household air.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF POOR AIR QUALITY?

Most homeowners first identify changes that they can see and smell. For example, visible water damage or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors could indicate a leak somewhere within your structure. A professional inspector can then determine the source of the leak. Similarly, strange, persistent, or foul odors can indicate chemical emissions or trapped moisture. A trained contractor can identify the exact cause of these foreign smells. Even homeowners who notice a lot of dust in their homes may wish to consider testing. High dust levels could indicate an increased concentration of dust mites, resulting in allergens that could aggravate breathing issues.

In addition to seeing or smelling changes in air quality, it is also possible to feel the effects of poor air quality. Persistent health symptoms may indicate that indoor air has begun to cause respiratory problems. Some of the most common symptoms can include the following:

• Worsening allergies
• Nasal congestion
• Persistent headaches
• Ear, nose, or throat irritation
• Unusual rashes
• Fatigue
• Nausea or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent colds or illnesses

Health signs can also indicate the potential source of air quality problems. For example, itchy eyes or a scratchy throat could represent an allergic reaction to airborne particles and contaminants. However, symptoms like nausea or confusion could indicate dangerous carbon monoxide or radon levels in your home. In this instance, an air quality test is necessary to rule out potentially life-threatening issues.

WHY IS IT BEST TO GET A PROFESSIONAL AIR QUALITY TEST?

A professional technician should be the one to conduct an air quality test on your home. Professional air quality tests consist of observation, data collection, sampling, and final assessment or evaluation. Although amateurs and generalists may feel they can conduct some parts of this process, attempting to complete the test without training often results in incomplete data. Trained professionals can identify the origins of bad air quality. This may range from hidden mold to dangerous chemical exposure. In addition, trained professionals have the right tools to properly interpret the results. Finally, these professionals can also help you take steps to remove contaminants and improve the air quality within the home. These steps include installing an air purification system, or whole-home filtration system.

OUR SERVICES

Whether you work remotely or spend a lot of time indoors, ensuring good air quality is important. Given the unique environmental conditions of Riverside and the surrounding areas, air quality testing is a must for your home. All Pro Air provides indoor air quality solutions to help you breathe easier. We offer air purifier installation and can also tune up your device. In addition, we offer smart thermostats, UV-light installation to eradicate pollutants, and maintenance plans to ensure that your essential appliances remain in top-notch shape. You can also inquire about all our heating and cooling services. For the best air quality testing solutions, contact All Pro Air today.

As summer fades into fall, many residents of Riverside, CA and surrounding areas are eagerly anticipating the delightful aromas of autumn baking and the thrill of Friday night lights at local high school football games. During this transition of seasons, we also need to focus on keeping our homes a comfortable home base at the end of the day.

A critical element often overlooked is managing humidity levels in our homes. A balanced humidity level can offer a haven of warmth and health, while uncontrolled humidity can wreak havoc on both the comfort of your home and your health. Dragonfly Heating & Cooling can help you keep a balanced humidity level so you can feel at ease!

Understanding And Managing Home Humidity

Home humidity is the level of water vapor present in your indoor air, and the ideal relative humidity level for comfort and health benefits is between 30-50%. This level can be efficiently managed with the use of dehumidifiers in Riverside, CA during the hot and humid summer months and humidifiers during the dry winter.

Proper Humidity Levels And Their Impact

Humidity in your home is a careful and precise balance. Levels that are too high or too low can cause issues. As a homeowner, it is important to understand what these two extremes really mean for you and your loved ones.

The Impacts of High Humidity

Excessively high humidity can lead to a host of issues that affect you and your belongings. A few of the main concerns include:

• Allergen Growth: Humidity can provide an ideal environment for the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites. These allergens can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, making your home a discomfort zone rather than a comfort zone.
• Home Damage: High moisture content in the air can impact various materials in your home. Wooden furniture is porous and may warp, metal may rust, and wallpaper may peel off. Over time, this damage can lead to costly home repairs and replacements.
• Uncomfortable Living Conditions: High humidity makes the air feel heavier and can make your home feel stuffy or sweaty, which can interfere with your sleep and overall comfort. When you go inside your home, you expect to escape the issues that come with the weather.

The Impacts Of Low Humidity

At the same time, low humidity comes with a number of negative effects, such as:

• Health Issues: Dry air can often lead to dry and itchy skin and irritated eyes and can even make respiratory symptoms worsen. Air that is too dry can even cause nosebleeds!
• Static Electricity: Lower humidity levels can increase static electricity in your home, which can cause minor shocks that, while usually harmless, can be annoying.
• Damage To Wooden Items: Just as excess moisture can cause damage, so can excessively dry air. It can cause wooden furniture, flooring, and other wooden items in your home to shrink, warp, or crack.

Managing these extremes is crucial for the health and comfort of your home, and this is where Dragonfly Heating & Cooling comes in. With our dehumidifiers and humidifiers, we can help you maintain the perfect balance to promote a comfortable, healthy living environment.

How Dragonfly Heating & Cooling Can Help Control Humidity

Dragonfly Heating & Cooling offers an extensive range of indoor air quality services, including the installation and maintenance of dehumidifiers and humidifiers in Riverside, CA. Our skilled technicians will assess your home’s specific needs and provide you with the best solution to regulate and maintain optimal humidity levels.

Controlling High Humidity With Dehumidifiers

High humidity can create an uncomfortable and unhealthy living environment, but that’s where dehumidifiers come to the rescue. Below are some ways dehumidifiers in Riverside, CA can help:

• Regulating Humidity Levels: Dehumidifiers work by drawing in excess moisture from your home’s atmosphere and then expelling dry air back into your living space. This cycle effectively reduces the level of humidity, making your home more comfortable.
• Preventing Allergen Growth: By maintaining a drier environment, dehumidifiers discourage the growth of allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites. This helps improve air quality and reduce allergy symptoms for those living in the house, making sure everyone stays healthy.
• Protecting Your Home: Dehumidifiers reduce the humidity level in your home, which helps to prevent damage to your belongings that may be affected by excessive moisture. You can say goodbye to issues like warped wood and peeling wallpaper.

Dragonfly Heating & Cooling dehumidifiers are designed to efficiently regulate the humidity levels in your home, ensuring comfort and health for all inhabitants.

Balancing Low Humidity With Humidifiers

If you’re living with air that’s too dry, a humidifier in Riverside, CA could be the solution you need in your home. There are a number of ways a humidifier can benefit you, such as:

• Moisturizing The Air: Humidifiers release water vapor or steam into the air to increase moisture levels and increase humidity levels. This can help to make your living conditions more comfortable during the dry winter months.
• Relieving Health Symptoms: The added moisture can soothe dry skin, chapped lips, and irritated eyes. It can also alleviate symptoms of respiratory illnesses, reduce instances of dry throat, and minimize snoring.
• Preserving Your Belongings: By maintaining the right level of moisture in the air, humidifiers can help protect wooden furniture and flooring from shrinking, warping, or cracking due to dryness.

Dragonfly Heating & Cooling’s humidifiers are expertly designed to supplement moisture in your indoor air, promoting health and comfort in your home, regardless of the season.

Call Dragonfly To Help Control Humidity In Riverside, CA!

Seasons change, but the comfort of your home doesn’t have to. Keeping your home’s humidity levels in the right zone is essential for your health and the well-being of your family. Let Dragonfly Heating & Cooling help you in maintaining this balance.

From dehumidifiers in Corona, CA to humidifiers in Riverside, CA, we’ve got your needs covered. Give Dragonfly Heating & Cooling a call to schedule your humidifier and dehumidifier service today and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home.

What is your favorite thing to do with your furry friends? Many enjoy taking their dogs to the Riverwalk Dog Park in Riverside, CA, while others enjoy finding new ways to entertain their indoor cat. We love our indoor animals, but did you know they could be affecting your indoor air quality? Pet dander is a common indoor allergen and can be the cause of a variety of negative health symptoms. In this article, we discuss the impact indoor animals have on air quality and how to improve indoor air quality while keeping your furry friend inside!

What Is Indoor Air Quality & Why Is It Important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) determines the amount of allergens and pollutants within your home, office, or building. If indoor air quality is good, the air within your home has little to no harmful pollutants floating through the air. If indoor air quality is negative, your home’s air contains various harmful allergens that are likely affecting your health. According to the EPA, the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. This means the majority of your day is either spent breathing good or bad air, which is important to be aware of!

Breathing in harmful pollutants can present both short-term and long-term health effects. It is important to maintain positive indoor air quality at home and other buildings where you spend a large amount of time inside to minimize negative effects. Below are ways poor indoor air quality can affect your health in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas.

Short-Term Health Effects

• Runny nose
• Irritated eyes
• Dry/scratchy throat
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Long-Term Health Effects

• Respiratory diseases
• Heart disease
• Cancer

Along with poor air quality harming your health, it can also harm your home as well. Humidity levels contribute to air quality, and it is important your home remains between 30-50% humidity. If humidity levels are high, mold and mildew can grow in various places around your home. Mold can cause each resident in your home to have poor health and allergy symptoms, along with damage to your personal belongings such as wood warping. If humidity levels are too low, you may experience dry and cracked skin, increased susceptibility to illnesses, and static electricity.

How Do Animals Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Pet dander is one of the most common allergens affecting indoor air quality. Pet dander can be a combination of many particles, including dead skin cells. A common misconception among our population is being allergic to pet fur, which is not the actual allergy. People with pet allergies are allergic to the protein that is found within pet dander and saliva. Pet dander is collected within the animal’s fur and can easily be distributed when your pet sheds. If you breathe in pet dander, it can trigger common allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, an irritated throat and nose, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If pet dander is the only allergen in your home, it is likely the worst health effect to happen is an asthma attack. It is important to take action to minimize pet dander and other pollutants to maintain positive indoor air quality in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and surrounding areas.

Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality With Pets

At Dragonfly Heating and Cooling, we treat indoor animals as family and would never suggest getting rid of a furry friend. However, one of our top priorities is keeping our customers healthy by keeping the air you breathe clean. We support implementing ways to reduce allergens produced from indoor animals and improving indoor air quality any way possible. Below are ways to maintain good indoor air quality with indoor pets in Anaheim, CA and other areas.

• Regularly Groom Animals Outside Your Home
• Frequently Dust & Clean
• Install An Air Purifier
• Implement Fur-Free Zones

Regularly Groom Animals Outside Your Home

Regularly grooming your pets can provide a wide array of benefits for them, such as pest prevention and maintaining a healthy fur coat. Additionally, keeping them clean helps reduce pet dander allergens around your home. When brushing your animal’s fur coat, we strongly recommend doing so outside of your home. This allows pet dander to be released outdoors rather than building up inside and decreasing indoor air quality. Regularly grooming, whether personally or with one of the pet groomers in Riverside, CA, can keep both you and your pet healthy year-round!

Frequently Dust & Clean

While dusting can be a tedious task for some, it can be extremely beneficial to your indoor air quality. Pet dander contributes to dust and can build up around your home, which negatively impacts the air you breathe. Pet dander is a tiny particle and often clings to dust particles that float around your home and ventilation system. Additionally, dust mites feed off of pet dander and can elevate the dust mite population. It is important to regularly clean and dust your home to minimize the negative effects that come with airborne pet dander.

Install An Air Purifier

Air purifiers target negative air pollutants such as pet dander and can help keep your air clean! At Dragonfly Heating and Cooling, we provide a number of indoor air quality services in Riverside, CA, such as air purifier installation. Air purifiers collect harmful pollutants and release clean air into the space after the purification process. Air purifiers are extremely beneficial when it comes to improving indoor air quality in homes and offices. Give us a call to install an air purification system in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas this spring and summer season!

Implement Fur-Free Zones

If you are struggling with uncomfortable allergy symptoms in your home, we recommend considering “fur-free zones.” Many homeowners designate their bedrooms as areas where indoor pets are not allowed, because it helps improve air quality in that room and allows a good night’s sleep. However, it is important to identify indoor air quality solutions to keep you breathing easy in your whole home!

Let the Dragonfly Heating and Cooling team keep you healthy and comfortable with our indoor air quality services in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas! Give us a call to install an air purifier or explore other beneficial ways to improve air quality.

When it comes to indoor air quality, many people think about outdoor air pollution. However, the quality of the air inside our homes can be just as important – especially for those with allergies or asthma. The concentration of certain pollutants in indoor air can be up to five times higher than in outdoor air. A variety of products on the market can help reduce allergens in your home, giving you and your family relief from allergy symptoms.

AIR CONDITIONERS

Air conditioners work by circulating and filtering the air in your home, which can help to remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air. Additionally, using an air conditioner will also keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the warmer months. The amount of filtration depends on the rating of the filter you use.

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling we offer installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioners. Our technicians are always available to offer high-quality services to meet your needs. We specialize in Goodman and Daikin products. Just call us to get a free estimate for new equipment installation.

AIR PURIFIERS

Air purifiers work by trapping allergens in filters, allowing only clean air to circulate. Various types of air purifiers are available, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. These devices are commonly used to remove dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from the air, helping to improve air quality.

There are many different types of air purifiers on the market, so choosing one that is right for your needs is essential. Some factors to consider are the specific allergens you are trying to remove, the size of your space, and the features offered. Some pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, and odors, are very small and require specialized air purifiers.

Most air purifiers are designed for small rooms or areas of just a few hundred square feet. But you can find larger units or even have a whole-home air purifier installed. When selecting an air purifier, it is also important to consider the features offered. Some units offer additional features such as UV light sanitization, ionization, and timers.

MERV RATING

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings might be listed on air purifiers and filters. MERV is a measure of how effective an air purifier is at removing airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air purifier will be at removing pollutants from the air.

For most homes, a MERV rating between 11 and 13 should be sufficient. These will catch pollen, dust, mold spores, and exhaust fumes. But if you’re concerned about tobacco smoke or airborne bacteria, you should look for a MERV rating between 13 and 16.

HEPA AIR PURIFIERS

HEPA air filters are some of the most effective at removing allergens from the air. They actually exceed the upper limit of the MERV rating system. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters can trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. This includes many common allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. While this may catch some smoke particles, it may not catch all. Smoke particles can be less than .01 microns.

When shopping for a HEPA air purifier, look for one with a high CADR rating. This stands for “clean air delivery rate” and indicates how well the purifier removes specific types of airborne contaminants. The higher the CADR rating, the better the purifier will be at removing allergens from your indoor air. Contact Dragonfly Heating & Cooling to get more information about the best air purifiers for your home to help you reduce allergens.

HUMIDIFIERS

There are a few different types of humidifiers that can be used to help reduce allergens in the home. Humidifiers can also help reduce the symptoms triggered by allergens by soothing the sinus and nasal cavities.

One type is an ultrasonic humidifier, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create water droplets that are then dispersed into the air. This type of humidifier is generally very quiet and can be used for both small and large rooms.

Another type of humidifier is a cool mist humidifier, which uses a fan to circulate cool air through a water-filled chamber. This type of humidifier can help to reduce the amount of pollen and dust in the air, making it ideal for those with allergies.

Finally, there are warm mist humidifiers, which use heat to generate water vapor that is then dispersed into the air. These types of humidifiers can help to reduce the number of bacteria and mold in the air, making them ideal for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

When choosing a humidifier, it is important to consider the size of the room that it will be used in and the type of climate that you live in. Ultrasonic humidifiers are generally best for use in small rooms, while cool mist and warm mist humidifiers are better for larger rooms. If you live in a climate that is dry, it is important to choose a humidifier that can add moisture to the air. Conversely, if you live in a climate that is humid, you may need to look into a dehumidifier.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using a humidifier. First, it is important to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Second, if you live in an area with hard water, you might want to use distilled water to prevent the buildup of minerals that can damage the humidifier.

VACUUM CLEANERS

If you have carpet in your home, it can be a breeding ground for allergens. Regular vacuuming can help reduce the number of allergens in your carpet. You’ll want to look at units that have onboard HEPA filters.

A robot vacuum can help if you’re looking at daily vacuuming. Robot vacuums are becoming increasingly popular because they’re so convenient. You can schedule them to run whenever you want, even when you’re not home.

You may also want to consider investing in a carpet cleaner that uses hot water to deep clean your carpets and removes allergens. Steam cleaning can help remove bacteria and other allergens that regular vacuuming can’t.

STEAM MOPS

Steam mops use the power of hot water vapor to deep clean surfaces, loosen and lift dirt, and kill germs and bacteria. This makes them ideal for people with allergies or asthma, as they can help remove irritants from your home.

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we provide a full range of air conditioning and heating services in Riverside, CA, including system installation and repair. You can also save money with our maintenance plans. Our highly trained and experienced technicians are equipped to handle any job, big or small. And because we’re a locally owned and operated company, we can offer our customers the personalized service they deserve. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to our clients. No matter your air conditioning or heating needs, Dragonfly Heating & Cooling is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.