The Las Vegas area is dry and hot for most of the year. During the winter, the temperatures can be in the 50s (F) during the day and as low as the mid-30s (F) in the evenings. Depending on the range of temperatures in each particular area, it can become a struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature and good air quality in your home.
How Bad Is the Air Quality in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has so much to offer with its warm, dry climate. But unfortunately, Nevada overall has some pretty poor air quality. According to a report from Lung.org, Nevada ranks among the worst air quality with two of the most widespread and harmful types of air pollution. Particle and ozone pollution contribute to Nevada’s poor air quality, especially in Reno and Las Vegas.
Particle pollution comes from microscopic dust released into the air by wildflowers, wood-burning appliances, coal-fired power plants, and diesel emissions. The danger of particle pollution is that the bits are small enough to be present and inhaled without a person knowing it.
Ozone pollution is when nitrogen oxide reacts with volatile organic compounds in times of hot temperatures and bright sunshine. This type of pollution originates from industry, many types of vehicles, and more.
What Types of Illness or Conditions Are Irritated by This Air Pollution in Vegas?
Many health problems can crop up with poor air quality, primarily due to particle and ozone pollution. With particle pollution, the particles are tiny enough to be able to become embedded in a person’s lungs. This can lead to asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. The consequences of all of these conditions can lead to fatal results.
With Ozone pollution, there can be just as many serious reactions when exposed. Chest pain, throat irritation, coughing, and congestion are common side-effects of pollution. In at-risk populations, ozone pollution can also lessen lung function by irritating the lining of the lungs. People who live in areas with high levels of this pollution may develop scarred lung tissue from prolonged exposure.
How Can Your HVAC System Help Clean Up Your Indoor Air?
People who struggle with breathing and health issues may not know that the right HVAC system in their home can improve their air quality. A good HVAC system does more than regulate temperature. Here are some ways the right HVAC system can help with home air quality:
- Increased Air Quality: When you set your HVAC system to be able to blow consistently in your home, you keep the air moving and ensure that the air is being moved through the unit’s filtration system. The more pollutants that are removed from the air, the better the air quality in the home.
- Make Time for Maintenance: the effectiveness and longevity of your HVAC system depend on if you have regular maintenance performed on your system. Regular maintenance helps keep your system running smoothly. It also allows the technician to replace filters and remove other debris that may have accumulated in the unit. These tune-ups will help you get the most out of your system while keeping your indoor air healthier.
- Replace Your Air Filters: Your HVAC system should have its filter replaced regularly to avoid air quality problems. A system that hasn’t had its filter replaced can reduce airflow in the home, increasing the presence of debris in the home’s air. An HVAC professional can advise you on the kind of filter that would be best and that they would recommend for your situation.
- Consider Air Quality Improvement Products: Besides air conditioning and heat, an HVAC system can be fitted with additional features to help improve indoor air quality. There are humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers. These different features improve the air quality in a home while also keeping you comfortable.
Breathing is essential to remain healthy, but it can be challenging when a space has poor air quality. If you love living in Las Vegas—or anywhere else—and are having problems with air quality, an HVAC system can dramatically improve breathing conditions inside of your home.
