The term “air pollution” often makes you think of the air outdoors. However, indoor air quality can be just as harmful as outdoor air. It makes sense. We are spending more time indoors and our homes are becoming more energy-efficient, which means they’re air tight and capturing contaminants inside. You should to know what’s negatively influencing 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 harm your mucous membranes and increase the possibility of contracting a cold or flu and increase 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 common indoor allergen is dust mites. As a matter of fact, their droppings are one of the most common causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Because dust mites love pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a retreat for allergens. Another big allergen is pet dander. So, if your pets hang out in your bedroom, even more allergens are building up. You can lower the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding regularly and using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. You can take removing allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from B & G HVAC can explain all your options and help you select the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While it seems logical to cover up bad household smells with air fresheners, they can actually cause health issues—like eye, throat and lung irritation—due to the chemicals they consist of. This is also true for other household cleaners. Plus, these dangers pose greater risk to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. These health risks are even more reason to consider a Lennox® whole-home filtration system.
The air in your living space should help your health, not harm it. We want to offer our expertise to ensure you have the best indoor air quality possible. To schedule an in-home air assessment or ask us any questions about indoor air quality, call us at 641-316-3360.