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Expert shares how the high heat increases pollutants in our homes

The change of season, particularly fall and spring, is also a peak time for poor indoor air quality.

PHOENIX — In the desert, strong winds blow dust everywhere. Wildfires produce smokey skies. High temperatures intensify pollutants in the air. With record-smashing temperatures to kick off the fall season, your indoor air quality is at risk.

Indoor air quality is the measurement of pollutants in your home's air. Most people think about the crazy Arizona dust, pet hair, and messy children; yes, those are all part of your indoor air quality but only 33 percent. According to ACE Home Services, indoor air quality is grouped into three categories:

  1. Particulates: Hair, dust, pollen, pet allergies, etc. 

  2. Infectious Agents: Bacteria, flu, other cold viruses, RSV (anything with a DNA) 

  3. Toxic Compounds: Formaldehyde, pesticides, VOCs off-gases from new furniture, new flooring, cabinets, and aerosols  

Tim Herring, General Manager of ACE Home Services, explains what happens with the high heat.

"It not only helps collect the concentration of pollutants, just by nature, but then we also lock ourselves in our homes. We want to close those doors and windows," he said. "We run our A.C.'s a lot more. Summertime is definitely elevated temperatures...help collect those pollutants at higher levels of concentrations...so basically March through October is when those high peak times are."

The change of season, particularly fall and spring, is also a peak time for poor indoor air quality. Arizona's scorching summers also increase the pollutants inside our homes.

In the desert, keeping the dust and dirt away isn't easy. Herring recommends calling the professionals. They'll get you on the right track to a safe, clean home. 

For more information, head to https://acehomeaz.com/ and click on the "Indoor Air Quality" link.

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