As winter approaches, Peoria and Pekin residents will spend much more time inside. But most people don’t realize that indoor air can have 2 to 5 times the pollutants of outside air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. So the question for many homeowners is: How do I help make the air in my home more healthy? The indoor air quality pros at AAA Northgate have some tips to improve home air health and explain why your home smells musty.
Why Worry About Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air can contain lots of invisible pollutants that occur as part of normal living. Some symptoms of poor indoor air health may include:
- Increased allergy symptoms
- Musty or mildew odors
- Visible mold in home
- Moisture build-up
If your home is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s probably a good time to have a home energy audit done.
How Will a Home Energy Audit Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Many of the root causes of stale musty air can be traced back to the ineffective insulation and air sealing commonly found in many Bloomington and East Peoria homes. When your home’s exterior walls and roof structures allow too much air to enter and escape, humidity, allergens, mold, VOCs, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants can circulate and cause problems. The energy audit pros at AAA Northgate will help identify where your home’s barriers are weakest and offer the most cost-effective solutions.
What’s Included in a Home Energy Audit?
During an audit, a AAA Northgate technician will perform a comprehensive look at your home’s insulation and key mechanical systems, using specialized tools and years of experience. While in your home the energy auditor will:
- Conduct a room-by-room walkthrough and interview
- Examine past utility bills
- Test for air leakage locations and thermal bypasses
- Examine existing attic insulation
- Inspect heating and air conditioning systems
- Perform a blower door test
- Conduct an infrared scan
Once the energy audit is complete, you’ll be able to see exactly where your home is leaking out valuable conditioned air and allowing undesirable allergens and pollutants to seep in and circulate causing poor indoor air quality. We can also conduct indoor air testing to see exactly what air pollutants you might be dealing with in your home.
Air Sealing and Insulation Upgrades Improve Indoor Air Quality
Once the tiny gaps, cracks, and leaks are identified using the blower door test, the insulation pros at AAA Northgate can perform air sealing and install new insulation. Upgrading your insulation — either blown-in insulation or spray foam insulation — is one of the most cost-effective home improvements homeowners can choose. Because we examine your home as a complete system, the HVAC and insulation contractors at AAA Northgate can provide reliable and effective home insulation services that make sense. Not only will you see a dramatic change in your energy consumption, but your indoor air quality will also improve.
Exploring Additional Indoor Air Quality Upgrades
If your family has additional concerns about indoor air quality, AAA Northgate also has HVAC solutions, including UV light air sterilization systems, dehumidifiers and humidifiers to control humidity levels, air purifiers, and MERV-rated air filters, all of which can enhance the quality of your home’s air. If a family member suffers from asthma or other respiratory illness, clean healthy air is essential. Pekin and Morton IL homeowners count on their trusted indoor air company, AAA Northgate, for great advice and affordable solutions.