When we think of air pollution, we normally think of the air outside, but the EPA ranks indoor air quality as a top 5 environmental risk to our general health. Not only are we spending more time indoors, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps impurities inside the home. Before you can combat the things negatively impacting your indoor air, you must first realize what these things are.
1. Humidity Levels
Your home’s humidity is a unique situation – you don’t want to have too much humidity because that can aid in the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is extremely dry it can leave you with respiratory problems and boosts the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu due to damage to your mucous membranes. Both low and high humidity can damage your furniture and woodwork. Luckily, with the assistance of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to regulate the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that ideal humidity level.
2. Allergens
The bedroom is where most allergens are in your house, with the most common indoor allergen, dust mites. Dust mite droppings are the one of the largest causes 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 taking advantage of a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding regularly. If your symptoms continue, it could be time to consider a whole-home air filtration system. One of our professionals can walk you through the possibilities and find the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of a late dinner shouldn’t still be lingering in the house the following night. While air fresheners may mask the problem, the chemicals they give off could create other problems. 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 hazard 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 contributing 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 years of experience. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 803-265-4208.