Though nobody questions the basic need to safeguard your indoor environment, the specific reasons why we need to test for healthy air aren’t as well known. Americans typically spend more than half of their waking hours inside their home. Airborne irritants or toxins accumulating in today’s tightly sealed, energy-efficient house may be inhaled or absorbed at a volume much higher than outdoors. It’s not a surprise, then, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor pollution as one of the top five environmental risk factors.
Your HVAC system, as well as other technology related to indoor air quality, play a role in maintaining healthy air. Here’s a breakdown of three major factors that may well make testing the indoor environment essential.
- Particulate matter (PM). This refers to inert particles small enough to float around in indoor air. The general specification includes particles 100 microns in diameter or smaller. This list includes common dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, lint, and other things you might frequently inhale without even knowing it. These byproducts of normal life accumulate inside homes to levels that can trigger allergic responses, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are found in building materials utilized to construct homes, as well as in household items such as furniture, carpets, and paints. Cleaning products and other solvents often contain VOCs. Over the long term, volatile organic compounds slowly release fumes that are continuously inhaled by residents. Chronic health issues may result, including headaches, eye and nose irritation, chronic fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and allergic conditions such as asthma.
- Biological contaminants. Microorganisms frequently inhibit healthy air inside homes, particularly when the source of contamination is also indoors. The list includes fungal growth, toxic mold spores and bacteria, and a wide range of viruses and pathogens that replicate at common indoor temperature and humidity levels. Infectious illness and chronic symptoms may be the result for anyone, but it especially affects young children and elderly occupants.
For more about testing for healthy air in your home, contact Paitson Bros., now marking 100 years ensuring a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922