If submitting a service request after hours or on the weekend, please note it is best to call.
(361) 235-3905 Request Service

IAQ Concerns: Candles

August 21, 2018 | Blog

IAQ Concerns: CandlesCandles have never been more popular as an accent item in home decor. As they burn, they add a romantic, warm touch to the ambiance; scented candles in particular are valued not only for their soothing nose appeal, but also for their benefits in the practice of aromatherapy.

Unfortunately, lighting candles has a down side when it comes to your indoor air quality. As candles burn, they give off soot, which is breathed in by the home’s occupants. Depending on the kind of candle you’re burning, you may be inhaling some particularly toxic chemicals.

Paraffin-based and Your IAQ

The majority of candles manufactured today are made from paraffin, a petroleum product. When the candle burns it gives off carcinogens such as benzene, toluene and formaldehyde.

Scented candles are even worse. The wicks of scented candles sometimes contain lead, even though it was supposed to have been banned in candle manufacture in this country some years ago due to the harm they can cause children. The artificial scents and dyes also give off chemicals when burning, adding to the bad air mix.

All these chemicals build up to dangerous levels in your home’s atmosphere after the candle burns just an hour or so. It’s best when burning paraffin-based candles to put them out after they have burned for an hour.

Another problem with paraffin candles is that they give off petro-soot, which is as dangerous to breathe as second-hand smoke, and can cause cancer. Further, the soot can be drawn into your HVAC system, and will dirty your air filter, necessitating a change much sooner than you would need to otherwise. The soot may also line the walls of your ductwork, so that the chemicals may continue to be distributed in your home’s air, long after you’ve stopped burning the candles.

Other Choices

Fortunately, you can opt for soy or beeswax candles, which are safer to breathe. Beeswax candles even give off negative ions, which can help improve your indoor air quality.

Want to learn more about improving indoor air quality? Contact CCAC of Corpus Christi.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.  

Constantly Concerned About You!

noun_team_2578407
Professional Team
Our ac technicians are highly trained, professional and committed to getting the job done right the first time.
noun_assurance_426752
Reliable Service
You can count on our expert ac technicians to provide high-quality air conditioning services with quality products and transparent pricing.
noun_Handshake_2064250
Customer Service
You deserve excellent customer service. That's why we strive to be courteous and professional through the entire service process.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Very Satisfied

I’ve had a system purchased and installed by them for several years with the maintenance contract the whole time. I’ve been very satisfied with the service. You can’t go wrong selecting them for your business.

Joseph S.

Pleasure to Work With

Mathews CCAC conducted the semi-annual inspection of the A/C, heating system for the fall check-up, Technician was on time, courteous and went quickly about the inspection and observed all COVID-19 protocols for his and our safety a pleasure to work with this company

Steven L.

Great Company

Great company. Contacted my current AC company to check on my warranty before charging me anything. Saved me a bunch of money and headache if dealing with anything. Would definitely recommend them and use them again.

Ryan W.