Indoor air pollution from cooking can be serious, especially for those who use natural gas, wood or propane as fuel sources. According to the California Resources Board, these cooking fuels can produce toxic substances, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter, which can be hazardous to your health. In enclosed spaces, cooking with these fuels can lead to concentrations of these pollutants exceeding acceptable levels. In addition to causing respiratory problems, long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Proper ventilation is the best way to protect yourself from a buildup of air pollution in your home. This can help to reduce the concentration of pollutants, minimizing the risk of health problems. You should also be sure to properly maintain your ventilation system and promptly address any potential leaks from fuel sources.
How a Professional Indoor Air Quality Check Can Help
Getting an air quality check is ideal for guarding against a buildup of pollution from cooking. With an indoor air quality check, a technician will inspect your home and check for carbon monoxide levels, humidity, dust and other contaminants. They’ll also inspect your ventilation system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Once the technician fully understands the air quality in your home, they can make recommendations about how to improve it. This could involve adding advanced technology air filtration systems, changing or upgrading the ventilation system, and adding a whole-home humidifier.
Indoor Air Quality Basics
Poor air quality can lead to a range of issues, such as allergies, asthma and respiratory infections. It can also worsen existing health issues and cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness. It’s important to have a professional indoor air quality check to ensure the air your family is breathing is safe and healthy.
An indoor air quality check can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. The technician will be able to identify areas where air is leaking in or out, which can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder and cost you more energy bills. By sealing up any air leaks, you can ensure your home runs as efficiently as possible.
Addressing Indoor Air Quality Problems
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your gas appliances at least once a year will ensure that they’re working properly and that all the components are in good condition. Have a qualified technician repair or replace any worn or broken parts.
Installing an exhaust fan near your gas appliances can help remove any pollutants released during operation. Make sure to keep the fan running while the appliance is in use and then allow it to run for a few minutes after turning off the appliance.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. Installing a carbon monoxide detector near your gas appliances can help alert you if unsafe gas levels are present in your home.
If your kitchen has a gas stove, be sure to use a range hood to ventilate the area and remove any pollutants that are released during cooking. Along with your exhaust fan, keep the hood running while the stove is in use and leave it on for a few minutes after turning the stove off.
The Effects of Climate on Indoor Air Quality
In dry climates, indoor air can become stale, enabling pollutants from cooking appliances to remain airborne for longer periods of time. The lack of humidity can also cause dust and other small particles to become airborne, worsening indoor air pollution. Furthermore, dry air can make it difficult for air filters to remove harmful compounds such as VOCs from paint or furniture.
When it comes to checking indoor air quality for folks in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas, we at Coffman & Company are a great choice. Whether you’re worried about older cooking appliances or simply want to schedule a routine checkup, you can count on us to do the job right the first time. Our services include all types of AC and heating installations, maintenance, and repairs. We also offer water heater service, gas piping installations, and general maintenance for your home. Call us at Coffman & Company today to learn more.
