The air quality inside buildings is often neglected, and that is unfortunate because many of us spend the majority of our time in enclosed spaces. The air we share in our homes, offices, and other structures is so much a part of our lives that most of us do not even think about it—until, that is, we notice that something seems "off." When indoor air quality is compromised, it can lead to an uncomfortable environment and even pose health threats to those who spend time in the affected space. Most commonly, indoor air quality problems manifest as an increased concentration of particulate matter or chemical vapors, and there are a nearly limitless number of potential sources for these contaminants. When a ventilation system is not working properly, or when a building is so tightly sealed that there is no fresh air coming in, the people inside can begin to experience undesirable symptoms.
Every indoor environment is its own entity, with unique air quality challenges. Some may be afflicted with excessive humidity, leading to mold and mildew and odors that could make a person think they're walking into a set piece for a horror movie. Others might harbor airborne pollutants that hang in the air like a not-so-fond memory—dust, pollen, or pet dander, for instance. In the commercial world, there are legitimate concerns about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from construction materials or office equipment. Recognizing all of this is the first step toward developing an air quality solution that truly solves the problem instead of just applying an ineffectual band-aid. The Indoor Air Quality team here at HVAC Las Vegas does just that, carrying out a thorough assessment of the air quality in any given environment and identifying individual concerns that must be addressed.
Indoor air quality systems offer much more than just clean air; they provide numerous benefits that can impact health and well-being in several ways. For starters, they can directly and positively affect sleep. In numerous studies, researchers have found that individuals sleep better when the conditions of the immediate space are optimized. This goes beyond mere temperature control; the "breathability" of the space—meaning the air quality itself—plays a huge role. A room may be cool enough for the kind of sleep that renders one unconscious for a few hours, but a room with poor air quality may cause an individual to stir and wake up repeatedly, not because they're having nightmarish visions or are restless, but because their respiratory systems are gasping for the kind of clean air that the lungs have evolved to expect.