Providing El Cajon and La Mesa with Everything They Need to Breathe Easier

When we say, ‘air pollution’ you probably imagine a smokestack belching out chemicals or a car exhaust spitting out dark smoke. But, according to the EPA, this picture isn’t wholly accurate. You’d have been closer to the truth if you’d imagined a suburban home surrounded by a white picket fence. You see, the air inside the average American home is actually 5-10 times more polluted than what’s outside. Guessing you’re safe in El Cajon? Think again.

If you’re ready to clean up your air, call Pacific Heating & Air Conditioning and ask about our indoor air quality (IAQ) services in the El Cajon area. For more information on solutions to the problem, read through this page in its entirety.

You’re probably asking how these contaminants get into the air in the first place. Radioactive radon seeping in from the soil, smoke from old cigarettes, off-gassing from fire retardant materials, and cleaning product vapors are just a few causes of indoor air pollution in El Cajon. Dust mites, mold, viruses, pet dander, and mildew also play a part. As homes become more energy-efficient and changing lifestyles lead many of us to spend more time indoors, poor air quality has become a public health crisis.

Indoor air quality is a big problem in the 21st century both here and abroad. As homes become better sealed against the elements, the importance of having clean air increases. Without you even knowing, your air duct system could be contaminated with particulates that are harmful to you and your family. Each time the HVAC system turns on, it can circulate dust, dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and bacteria throughout the air inside your home. Below are a few statistics that help drive home the seriousness of the IAQ crisis:

• The EPA estimates we spend 90% of our time indoors.
• 3,500 non-smokers die of lung cancer each year after being exposed to residual smoke particles.
• A study from the EPA identified over 500 noxious substances in ten public buildings in 1988. That problem has only gotten worse.
• The IHME estimates that poor indoor air quality causes 1.6 premature deaths per year.
• The air inside the average home can be up to 100% more polluted than the air outside.
• Indoor air pollution is cited as one of the “Top 5 Risks to Public Health.”

By selecting Pacific Heating & Air Conditioning to combat your air pollution problems, you and your family will reap a variety of benefits:

• Better Sleep: By eliminating root causes of respiratory irritation—which can lead to snoring—our IAQ experts will help you sleep easier and wake better rested.
• Cleaner Indoor Air: If you’re tired of smelling the cigarette your aunt smoked in the kitchen 20 years ago installing one of our products can help. Call us and kiss those musty odors, chemical smells, and lingering stenches goodbye.
• Fewer Allergy Symptoms: Conditions like asthma and emphysema can be compounded by the presence of mold in your home’s HVAC systems. Installing a dehumidifier, humidifier, or air purifier can help remove pet dander and artificial fragrances from the air, giving you and your family relief from cold and allergy symptoms.

A lot of people in El Cajon have an air quality issue but don't realize it. They might just chalk it up to things like high pollen counts and general fatigue. But, if you regularly notice the following, it's worth getting an air quality analysis done:

• Frequent runny noses or allergy symptoms
• Inefficient heating and AC systems
• You or others smoking in your home
• The presence of shedding pets
• Visible signs of mold or mildew
• Anyone in your home developing a weakened immune system
• Dust clinging to your vents and registers
• Stale or stuffy air
• When you’re buying a home or building one
• Nose or skin irritation
• Headaches, nausea, or chronic fatigue
• Stubborn odors that don’t go away

For households with existing IAQ equipment, we also offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services. If you have a filter or humidity control system that’s not working right, give us a call at (619) 535-1128, so we can try and uncover the problem.

At Pacific Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping homeowners with their IAQ problems for years, since 2008, in fact. We always take the time to explain possible solutions and outline the costs ahead of time. Our HVAC company stands firmly behind the products we sell and are always willing to come back and investigate if air pollution issues recur. We service El Cajon, La Mesa, San Diego , and the surrounding communities. Therefore, if you're looking for an 'IAQ company near me,' you know you've come to the right place. Please reach out to us at (619) 535-1128 today to schedule an air quality test or get a quote on dehumidifier installation.

Do Humidity Levels REALLY Affect My Indoor Air Quality?

Yes, they do. Homes with exceedingly high humidity levels end up with mold, dust mites, and mildew. Houses with humidity that’s too low, meanwhile, experience dust and recurring sinus issues. Maintaining your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent keeps you in the “Comfort Zone.”

Why Should I Care About My Home’s Air Quality?

Studies show that air in your home is likely more polluted than the air outside. No matter how tidy your house is, your air will still be filled with pollen, viruses, dust, and pet dander. Only installing an air sanitizer or UV germicidal lights in your HVAC system can truly expel these contaminants.

What are the Most Common Air Pollutants?

The most frequently found contaminants in your home are relatively harmless except for causing discomfort to those who may be allergic. They include pollen, fabric fibers, dust, pet dander, and other common household particles.

What Type of Furnace Filter Should I Use In My Home?

Start by determining how thick of a filter your system can accommodate. Most HVAC systems can’t accommodate filters that are more than an inch thick. We recommend using only filters with a particle removal rating of MERV 11 or higher. This is especially important if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory or cardiac disease.

What’s “Sick Building” Syndrome?

If you’ve done any research on IAQ, you’ve probably seen references to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This term comes from a study where public workers in one building reported headaches, fatigue, nausea, nose irritation, and watery eyes. Researchers examined this building and found it to have a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. This case gave birth to the term and is now used as a diagnosis for someone who experiences air pollution symptoms at work and notices an immediate improvement upon returning home.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Improve My Own Indoor Air Quality?

We recommend that homeowners who are concerned with the quality of the air they breathe take the following steps:

• Purchase a HEPA filter
• Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly to avoid airborne pollutants
• Choose natural woods and furnishings that don't come with VOCs and nasty vapors
• Open your windows and air your home out from time to time
• Install a thermostat that includes humidity readings