When we think of air pollution, we normally 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 in our homes, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps pollutants 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 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 may leave you with respiratory concerns and raises the likelihood of getting 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 help of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to control 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 causes of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, you’ll likely deal with pet dander which could also be aggravating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding frequently. If your symptoms persist, it could be time to look into a whole-home air filtration system. One of our pros can walk you through the possibilities and choose the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of yesterday’s dinner shouldn’t still be in the air of the house the following night. While air fresheners may mask the problem, the chemicals they generate might 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 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 playing a role in 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 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 402-509-5940.