Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their daily lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That fact doesn’t just reflect how much our lives have changed over the last century but explains why indoor air pollution has become a growing public health concern as well. Indoor air is typically many times more polluted than the air outside, according to the EPA, sometimes by as much as 100 times. The agency now lists indoor air pollution as the nation’s fifth largest environmental risk to public health. As weather extremes force people to spend even more time indoors, Gentry Heating is proud to offer solutions that let everyone breathe a little easier.
At-Risk Populations
Indoor air pollutants pose the greatest risk to people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, although otherwise healthy populations are negatively impacted by continued exposure to pollutants as well. Symptoms that can indicate reactions to indoor pollutants include fatigue, headaches, nausea and irritation to the nose, eyes and throat.
Some experts believe that the increased number of Americans with allergies and asthma is closely linked to poor indoor air quality. Over seven million children in America currently have asthma, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s the leading serious chronic illness among children and is the third leading cause of hospitalization, according to the American Lung Association (AMA).
Controlling Allergens
There are around 40 million people in the United States who are affected by allergies. The AMA stresses that controlling indoor allergens is key to managing allergy symptoms. Allergens like pollen and pet dander not only enter homes through open doors and windows but drift in through gaps in the home’s building envelope as well. High humidity levels promote the growth of allergens like mold and mildew as well as dust mites and insects.
Because all the air that circulates through your home first passes through your HVAC system’s air filter, a high efficiency filter can block out many allergens. Our technicians can help you choose a filter that will trap pollutants without impairing the system’s air flow. Whole-house air filtration and purification systems are also available, many of which work with your forced-air systems so that you can enjoy cleaner air without sending your energy bills skyrocketing.
Preventative Services
A service as affordable as regular preventative maintenance for your heating and cooling systems is also effective at reducing the number of pollutants in your home. Seasonal inspections ensure that leaks and gaps haven’t developed in the system’s vents and ductwork. Regular tune-ups help protect you and your family from exposure to deadly carbon monoxide as well.
From air conditioners that help control humidity levels to air filtration systems, Gentry Heating offers indoor air quality solutions at an exceptional value. With more than 50 years of experience serving Tryon, NC and the surrounding neighborhoods, we know which products are most effective at making your home a more comfortable and healthy place in which to live.
