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 the population’s 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 combat the things negatively impacting 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 encourage the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is too dry it can cause respiratory concerns 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 regulate the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that just-right 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 biggest producers of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, you also have to worry about 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 continue, it might 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 last night’s 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 issues. The same can be said about household cleaners. That fresh, clean smell may 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 might 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 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 928-251-4327.