Hamilton Indoor Air Quality Services

Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can be compromised by a variety of sources, many of which are commonly found in households. Identifying and understanding these elements is the first step towards effectively mitigating their impact.

Some of the most prevalent causes of poor indoor air quality include:

• Household chemicals. Many household cleaning products, paints, and adhesives release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can linger in the air long after use. These compounds can cause short-term issues like headaches and dizziness and even long-term health problems, including respiratory diseases and cancer.
• Dust and allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens are common culprits in degrading indoor air quality. These tiny particles can exacerbate allergies and asthma, particularly during times when windows and doors are closed, reducing ventilation.
• Mould and mildew. Mould spores thrive in damp, humid environments and can spread quickly throughout a home. Inhaling these spores can lead to a range of health problems, including nasal congestion, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and in severe cases, respiratory infections.
• Humidity imbalance. Consistently high or low humidity levels can affect comfort and health. High humidity can foster mould growth and dust mites, while low humidity can lead to dry skin, respiratory irritation, and increased static electricity.
• Tobacco smoke. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a significant indoor pollutant. It contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Even occasional indoor smoking can result in lingering pollutants that affect both smokers and non-smokers alike.
• Combustion appliances. Improperly maintained stoves, fireplaces, and heating equipment can release harmful levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other combustion byproducts. Investing in regular maintenance and proper ventilation is key to mitigating these risks.
• Poor ventilation. Inadequate ventilation can trap pollutants indoors, leading to higher concentrations of harmful substances. Properly functioning heating and cooling systems with appropriate filtration are essential to maintain good air quality and prevent the build-up of harmful contaminants.

Signs of Poor Air Quality in Your Home 

Recognizing the signs of poor air quality in your home is essential for timely intervention and maintaining a healthy living environment. Poor air quality can often become apparent through various physical symptoms and environmental indicators that can sometimes be overlooked. By being aware of common warning signs, you can know when you may need our Hamilton indoor air quality services. Our team can test your home’s air, help you take appropriate steps to address underlying issues, and work to improve the air you and your family breathe.

You should consider having your home’s air tested if you notice any of the following problems:

• Persistent dust accumulation. If you find yourself constantly dusting surfaces only to see dust reappear quickly, it may indicate poor air filtration or circulation. Dust particles can contain allergens, pet dander, and even harmful chemicals.
• Unpleasant odours. Lingering odours that don't dissipate with regular cleaning and ventilation might be a sign of underlying issues, such as mould growth or chemical pollutants. Musty smells can indicate mould, while chemical-like odours might suggest the presence of VOCs.
• Increased allergy symptoms. Experiencing frequent sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes when indoors can be a clear sign of allergens present in the air. 
• Frequent respiratory issues. If you or other household members often suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or sinus infections, it may be due to poor indoor air quality. Pollutants like smoke, VOCs, and allergens can trigger and worsen these conditions.
• Visible mould or mildew. Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments and can often be seen in areas with poor ventilation, like bathrooms and basements. 
• Condensation on windows or walls. Persistent condensation can be a sign of high humidity levels, which contribute to mould growth and can damage your home’s infrastructure and furniture over time. 
• Discoloured walls and ceilings. Yellowish stains or black streaks on walls and ceilings can result from poor ventilation, high moisture levels, or even leaking pipes behind the surfaces. 

Indoor Air Quality Solutions We Install

At BOONSTRA, we offer a range of solutions and services designed to meet your home’s specific air quality needs. Our expert team is equipped to perform thorough air quality assessments, identify hazards, and implement effective strategies to improve the air you breathe.

Our Hamilton indoor air quality services include expert assistance with:

• Duct cleaning. Air ducts naturally accumulate dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris, all of which can be recirculated throughout your living space every time your heating or cooling system operates. Regular duct cleaning reduces these airborne contaminants. It can also remove potential sources of mould and mildew by addressing any moisture present in your ducts. Additionally, cleaning your ducts can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by facilitating smooth airflow. 
• Humidifiers. By introducing moisture into the air, humidifiers can help maintain optimal humidity levels and alleviate the consequences of excessively dry air. We can install whole-house humidifiers that integrate with your existing HVAC system. 
• UV air purification. By harnessing the power of UV-C light, UV air purification systems can neutralize a wide array of airborne pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, mould, and allergens. UV air purifiers can dismantle microorganisms at a molecular level. When airborne pathogens pass through the UV-C light, their DNA is disrupted, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. This process significantly reduces the presence of harmful microbes that can cause illnesses, such as respiratory infections, allergies, and sinus issues. 

Explore our Hamilton indoor air quality services today! Call (289) 802-6257 or contact us online to get started.