When we think of air pollution, we usually think of the air outside, but the EPA ranks indoor air quality as a top 5 environmental risk to the population’s health. Not only are we spending more time inside, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps contaminants inside the home. Before you can take on the things negatively impacting your indoor air, you must first identify what these things are.
1. Humidity Levels
Your home’s humidity is a Goldilocks situation – you don’t want to have too much humidity because that can encourage the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is extremely dry it might mean respiratory issues and raises the likelihood of getting a cold or flu due to damage to your mucous membranes. Both low and high humidity have the ability to damage your furniture and woodwork. Luckily, with the aid of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to monitor the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that ideal humidity level.
2. Allergens
The bedroom is where many allergens are in your house, with the most common indoor allergen, dust mites. Dust mite droppings are the one of the largest sources of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, you’ll likely deal with pet dander which could also be irritating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding on a regular basis. If your symptoms go on, it could be time to think about a whole-home air filtration system. One of our experts can walk you through the possibilities and choose the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of last night’s dinner shouldn’t still be hanging around the house the following night. While air fresheners could mask the problem, the chemicals they give off could create other concerns. The same can be said about household cleaners. That fresh, clean smell can cause headaches and eye, throat and lung irritation. They also pose a threat to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. Again, a Lennox® whole-home filtration system may be just what your home needs.
The air you breathe should be factoring in to your health and comfort and we want to help make sure it does. We know you’re doing all you can do to keep your home comfortable. Let us offer our knowledge. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 803-220-0761.