Indoor Air Quality Issues in Older Homes
Having good indoor air quality in your home is vital to keep you and your family healthy. But older homes can sometimes see a rise in poor indoor air quality. Indoor air quality can be poor for many different reasons, and it is often seen in older homes. The good news is that you can fix the indoor air quality issues in older homes.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a very popular insulation material used in older homes. Pipes, siding, vinyl floors, and more may have this hazardous material. All these fixtures can affect indoor air quality. Asbestos can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, you will want to have a professional come out and look. You may need to have it removed to improve your indoor air quality.
Plumbing Leaks
Old plumbing is prone to leaks. If the leaks happen, it can lead to mold and mildew, which can compromise indoor air quality. In fact, many people are sensitive to mold. It may cause allergy symptoms, or if a person already has asthma, it may cause a worsening of symptoms. Mold also loves high humidity, and it can spread throughout your home. Mold remediation can be very expensive, so you will want to check for leaks, or have a professional do it for you.
No Vent Fans
Older homes often do not have vents and fans installed in the kitchen and the bathroom. This can lead to an increase in humidity. With increased humidity, this can encourage mold growth. To fix this issue, you will want to have vent fans installed. As a temporary solution, you can use fans while cooking or showering. Use the fans to blow the humidity out of an open window.
Lead Paint
Lead paint is an issue when it is flaking and chipping. If you are planning to do a renovation, you will want to make sure that you have a professional come out to test your home. You can remove lead paint, or it can have a product that will encapsulate over it.
Radon
Radon occurs in nature. It is often found in the soil as an odorless gas. When you build a house, it blocks the escape of the gas, which can cause it to build up in your home. Research has shown that radon can cause lung cancer. You will need to get a kit or have someone come out and test for you. You can use different ventilation techniques to help remove radon gas from the home.
No Insulation in Crawl Spaces and Attics
Indoor air quality can become poor if you don't have insulation in the attic or crawlspace. This is because outdoor air can seep in. Outdoor air can bring in allergens, which can worsen your allergy symptoms. Having the crawlspace and attic insulated will help to prevent this. You should go a step further, and have the crawl space encapsulated.
Old Furnaces
Old HVAC systems can compromise your indoor air quality. If they are gas-based, they may wear down and emit carbon monoxide. This can cause dizziness, headaches, and even death. Another danger of older furnaces is dirty coils and ductwork. Replacing the furnace if it is over the age of 15 is a must when getting an older home. It is important that a licensed HVAC professional completes this task.
Call Us Today
Helping you to improve the indoor air quality of your older home is what we do. If you need help with your HVAC system, please give us at Service Express a call today. One of our HVAC professionals will help you to have the best indoor air quality possible.
