After the energy crisis of the 1970s, builders began to focus on making houses and offices as airtight as possible in order to make them less costly to heat and cool. It was an energy-efficient approach that had unforeseen health consequences. Occupants began to complain about a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and runny noses to feelings of fatigue and nausea. This phenomenon is known as “Sick Building Syndrome,” a term coined in 1984 by the World Health Organization after conducting a study on indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Pollutants
Many homeowners in Central Florida are surprised to learn that indoor air is typically many times more polluted than the air outside. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the primary source of indoor air pollution are products that continually release contaminants into the environment, such as building materials, carpets, household cleaners, and poorly maintained HVAC equipment. Scheduling regular maintenance for heating and cooling systems helps protect families from the effects of Sick Building Syndrome.
Improving Ventilation Rates
Without proper ventilation, indoor air pollutants can exacerbate a number of health problems, including asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions. They can also lead to the come-and-go symptoms that experts have labeled Sick Building Syndrome. Over the past few decades, the HVAC industry has responded to the problem by producing systems with improved circulation rates and with advanced ventilators that introduce pre-filtered fresh air into the building while extracting stale air. Some models even use the energy extracted from the outgoing air to help condition the incoming air.
Cleaning the Air
In addition to ventilators, full-service HVAC companies like Complete Air Mechanical offer a broad range of products designed to eliminate pollutants and filter out contaminants like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Humidifiers introduce moisture to dry indoor air, ultraviolet lamps kill mold and bacteria, and air purifiers capture microscopic airborne particulates to help everyone breathe healthier air. High efficiency filters that fit into the ductwork of central HVAC systems are available, too.
Sick Building Syndrome Prevention From Complete Air Mechanical
From top-quality HVAC products to services like duct cleaning that rids ductwork of layers of dust, dirt, and pollutants, Complete Air Mechanical offers a full array of indoor air quality solutions for households and businesses across Central Florida. To learn more or to schedule service, contact Complete Air Mechanical today!
Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.