When it comes to illnesses, we’re all familiar with issues like the common cold, the flu and strep throat. But, have you ever considered that your home could make you sick? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause Sick Building Syndrome, or SBS, which can cause you to feel ill.
Indoor air quality has everything to do with SBS, but what can you do to “cure” a sick house? Luckily, Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing knows all about IAQ and how to improve it. Our professional HVAC repair team is here to help homeowners raise and understand their IAQ.
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
SBS is a condition that is attributed to being in an enclosed space with poor indoor air quality. Although, the exact cause of sick building syndrome is not known. A World Health Organization report suggested that around 30% of buildings worldwide reported issues with poor indoor air quality.
Diagnosing Sick Building Syndrome might be difficult because of its wide array of symptoms. Often, these symptoms overlap with other conditions, like hay fever or the common cold.
If your symptoms disappear when you leave your home, SBS may be at play. If you’re noticing specific, recurring symptoms that only occur when you’re in your home, it’s time to investigate your indoor air quality.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sick Building Syndrome?
SBS affects everyone differently and shows through a wide range of symptoms. It’s easy to mistake these symptoms for a cold or flu, but this may not be the case.
Some symptoms are:
- Breathing difficulties
- Tight chest
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry, itchy skin and rashes
- Throat irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Sneezing and allergy symptoms
SBS can also increase or worsen existing conditions, like asthma or other respiratory illnesses. It’s also worthy to note that not all people will show symptoms, even if your building has poor IAQ.
What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?
Usually, SBS is to blame when the exact cause of your symptoms is unknown. Typically, SBS is attributed to poor indoor air quality. There isn’t one singular cause for low IAQ, but there are many potential causes that you can look for.
Some common contributors to poor IAQ may be:
- Excessive dust
- Poor lighting
- Smoke
- Mold or fungus growth
- Asbestos
- Airborne chemical cleaning agents
- Carbon monoxide
- Formaldehyde
- Pesticides
- Insect or animal waste
Because there are so many factors that contribute to SBS, it is essential to work with an HVAC company to test your IAQ. Through this process, you can determine what contaminants are in your home’s air.
How To Cure A Sick House
The first step to easing SBS is performing an indoor air quality test that lists your home’s contaminants. In order to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of SBS, homeowners will need to be cautious of their home health habits.
These are some routines and tips to improve your air quality:
- Vacuum regularly
- Use high-quality HEPA air filters
- Do not smoke indoors
- Control your home’s humidity level
- Use low-to-no odor cleaning products
- Replace any pollutant-leaking items in your home (stoves, some furnishings, old insulation, etcetera)
By removing the source of pollution in your home, you can improve your IAQ and your health.
Professional HVAC Company In Houston Texas
Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing provides homeowners with fast, reliable IAQ test results that will help you determine the quality of your home’s air! We can help restore your home’s air to its most purified form. Our company is committed to excellence, so you know your home is in excellent hands.
Since 1985, Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing has been providing the greater Houston area with the finest air services. Whether you need an IAQ test, an AC tune-up or furnace installation, we have it all!
We know how important it is for homeowners to trust their HVAC repair company, that’s why we have several Ironclad Guarantees! We even offer a Shield of Protection membership to protect your home’s systems year-round.
Call Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing for all of your heating and cooling needs!
