When we think of air pollution, we usually think of the air outdoors, but the EPA ranks indoor air quality as a top 5 environmental risk to public health. Not only are we spending more time inside, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps contaminants inside the home. Before you can challenge the things negatively affecting 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 overly dry it may mean respiratory issues and boosts the likelihood of ending up with 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 control the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that just-right 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 causes 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 using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding regularly. If your symptoms persist, it could be time to think about a whole-home air filtration system. One of our experts can walk you through the choices and choose the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of yesterday’s dinner shouldn’t still be in the air of the house the following night. While air fresheners could mask the problem, the chemicals they generate 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 playing a role in your health and comfort and we want to help be sure it does. We know you’re doing all you can do to keep your home comfortable. Let us provide you with our knowledge. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 636-206-4250.