Your home gym gives you a convenient way to exercise and improve your health. To reap the full benefits, you likely took extra care choosing sporting equipment and make the effort to fit in regular workouts. Another priority should be the air quality of your exercise area, because of the adverse effects it can have on health.

Reasons for IAQ Concerns With Home Gyms

IAQ can be a serious issue in home gyms for two main reasons. First, these workout areas are often situated in seldom-used spots where air circulation may not be ideal – like a garage, basement or spare room. Second, during workouts, the body instinctively inhales deeply and more rapidly to draw in sufficient oxygen. When combined, these factors can amplify your exposure to unhealthy contaminants, pollutants and allergens like:

• Mold and mildew growth that flourishes in warm, humid conditions.
• Microscopic dust mites that live on shed skin cells.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by rubber equipment components and exercise mats, carpets, and stored items such as cleaning supplies, paints and solvents.
• Gasoline fumes from equipment and vehicles.
• Rodent, insect and other types of pest droppings.

How to Boost Your Exercise Room IAQ

If you have concerns about the air quality in your home gym, here are some strategies you can implement to improve it:

• Wipe down the equipment and vacuum your workout area regularly to help control allergens and contaminants.
• Invest in a dehumidifier if needed to keep mold and mildew growth in check.
• Open nearby windows whenever possible to expel stale air and bring in fresher outdoor air.
• To clear out airborne VOCs, bacteria, mold spores, dust mites and other contaminants year round, consider having an air cleaner unit added to your HVAC.
• If your gym area is currently situated outside of your home’s conditioned living space, move it inside.
• Keep your HVAC equipment and ductwork in good condition by scheduling semi-annual maintenance, and change the system’s air filter regularly to promote good air balance and circulation.

For help dealing with IAQ concerns in your Peachtree City home, contact us today at Powers Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.