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 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 affecting your indoor air, you must first recognize what these things are.
1. Humidity Levels
Your home’s humidity is a tough situation – you don’t want to have too much humidity because that can aid in the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is overly dry it can leave you with respiratory concerns 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 aid of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to regulate the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that ideal 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 irritating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free utilizing a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding regularly. 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 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 might mask the problem, the chemicals they generate may create other concerns. The same can be said about household cleaners. That fresh, clean smell might 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 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 years of experience. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 308-321-4703.