When we think of air pollution, we typically think of the air outdoors, 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 inside, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps impurities inside the home. Before you can take on 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 extremely dry it might cause respiratory issues and increases 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 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 most prevalent 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 utilizing a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding frequently. If your symptoms continue, it could be time to think about a whole-home air filtration system. One of our experts can walk you through the possibilities 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 in the air of the house the following night. While air fresheners might mask the problem, the chemicals they generate could create other concerns. 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 risk 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 factoring in 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 provide you with our years of experience. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 334-524-2458.