When we think of air pollution, we typically think of the outside air, 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 pollutants inside the home. Before you can take on the things negatively affecting 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 aid in the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is too dry it might leave you with respiratory problems and increases the likelihood of contracting 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 perfect 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 producers of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, there’s also the matter of 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 regularly. If your symptoms persist, it could be time to consider a whole-home air filtration system. One of our professionals can walk you through the options and identify the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of a late dinner shouldn’t still be hanging around the house the following night. While air fresheners could mask the problem, the chemicals they produce might create other problems. The same can be said about household cleaners. That fresh, clean smell might 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 could be just what your home needs.
The air you breathe should be contributing to your health and comfort and we want to help ensure it does. We know you’re doing all you can do to keep your home comfortable. Let us lend you our expertise. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 410-228-4822.