The term “air pollution” usually makes you think of the air outside your home. However, indoor air quality can be just as poor as outdoor air. It makes sense. Individuals are spending an increased amount of time indoors and our houses are becoming more energy-efficient, which means they’re air tight and capturing contaminants inside. You need to know what’s negatively affecting your indoor air quality to help make it better. Here are three common problems with your indoor air quality.
1. Humidity Levels
Managing humidity levels can be difficult. Too much humidity can foster the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Lower amounts of humidity can damage your mucous membranes and increase the possibility of contracting a cold or flu and increase other respiratory problems. Plus, your home’s furniture and woodwork can be impaired by both low and high humidity levels. Fortunately, you can balance your home’s humidity levels with humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
2. Allergens
The most frequent indoor allergen is dust mites. Additionally, their droppings are one of the most common causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Because dust mites love pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a sanctuary for allergens. Another big factor is pet dander. So, if your pets hang out in your bedroom, even more allergens are building up. You can lower the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding often and using a vacuum that includes a HEPA filter. You can take eliminating allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from Stieferman Heating Company Inc can explain all your options and help you determine the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While people may think it’s logical to mask bad household smells with air fresheners, they can actually cause health issues—like eye, throat and lung irritation—as a result of the chemicals they consist of. This is also true for lots of household cleaners. Plus, these dangers can be even more threatening to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. These health risks are even more reason to look into a Lennox® whole-home filtration system.
The air in your living space should help your health, not damage it. We want to provide our expertise to ensure you have the best indoor air quality you can. To schedule an in-home air assessment or ask us any questions about indoor air quality, call us at 573-635-3547.