The term “air pollution” often makes you think of the air outside of the home. Actually, indoor air quality can be just as harmful as outdoor air. It makes sense. People are spending more time indoors and our houses are becoming more energy-efficient, which means they are air tight and trapping contaminants inside. You need to know what’s negatively affecting your indoor air quality in order to make it better. Here are three frequent problems with your indoor air quality.
1. Humidity Levels
Managing humidity levels can be hard. Higher amounts of humidity can assist with the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Lower amounts of humidity can damage your mucous membranes and increase the probability of contracting a cold or flu and intensify other respiratory problems. Plus, any furniture and woodwork can be damaged by both low and high humidity levels. Luckily, you can balance your home’s humidity levels with humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
2. Allergens
The most typical indoor allergen is dust mites. Additionally, their droppings are one of the most frequent causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Seeing that dust mites are attracted to pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a haven for allergens. Another big culprit is pet dander. So, if your pets sleep your bedroom, even more allergens are accruing. You can decrease the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding frequently and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can take getting rid of allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from H&C Heating and Cooling can explain all your options and help you determine the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While it seems logical to mask bad household smells with air fresheners, they can actually cause health issues—like eye, throat and lung irritation—as a result of the chemicals they contain. This holds true for lots of household cleaners. Plus, these dangers can be even more threatening to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. These health risks are even more reason to research a Lennox® whole-home filtration system.
The air in your living space should contribute to your health, not harm it. We want to use our expertise to ensure you have the best indoor air quality possible. To schedule an in-home air assessment or inquire about indoor air quality, call us at 301-960-3247.