3 Ways Insulation Affects IAQ in Cedar Park, TX
Insulation can protect your home from extreme temperatures in Cedar Park, TX. However, the type, age and condition of your insulation also impact your indoor air quality (IAQ). Learn about the biggest ways insulation affects your IAQ and what to do about it.
1. Moisture
Water leaks weaken the effectiveness of your insulation and encourage biological growth, which could spread undetected behind your walls until it contaminates your entire house. You may notice sagging ceilings, discolored walls, black splotches and symptoms of a mysterious illness, such as dizziness, confusion, red eyes and body aches.
Other signs of wet insulation include water stains on your walls, standing water on the roof and rusty building materials, such as nails and screws. The excess moisture could make your air uncomfortably humid.
2. Deterioration
Over time, fiberglass insulation starts to break down and release particles into the air. Exposure to these particles may cause respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat irritation. Eventually, you could develop respiratory diseases or lung cancer.
Your insulation’s deterioration doesn’t only impact your indoor air quality. It can also place undue stress on your HVAC system, creating the need for more frequent repairs and other performance issues.
3. Infestations
If you have gaps in your walls, attic or ductwork, pests can sneak inside and breed inside your insulation. They’ll also leave feces, interfere with electrical work and potentially expose your family to diseases. Once you’ve hired experts to remove the pests, you’ll need HVAC experts to replace the contaminated insulation and seal the gaps in your property.
Improving your IAQ leads to reduced allergic reactions and better sleep and concentration. Cleaner air also reduces the strain on your HVAC system. Call Del’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about our IAQ solutions, including air purifiers, humidifiers and ventilators.
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