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 public 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 take on the things negatively influencing your indoor air, you must first recognize 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 may leave you with respiratory problems and raises the likelihood of contracting 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 assistance of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to regulate 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, you’ll likely deal with pet dander which could also be aggravating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free utilizing a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding frequently. If your symptoms go on, it could be time to consider a whole-home air filtration system. One of our experts can walk you through the possibilities and find 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 may mask the problem, the chemicals they produce might create other issues. 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 hazard to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. Again, a Lennox® whole-home filtration system may 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 make sure it does. We know you’re doing all you can do to keep your home comfortable. Let us lend you our knowledge. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 715-301-0727.