When we think of air pollution, we normally think of the air outside, but the EPA ranks indoor air quality as a top 5 environmental risk to our general 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 realize 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 encourage the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is extremely dry it may mean respiratory issues and increases the likelihood of getting 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 help of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to monitor the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that ideal 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 also have to worry about 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 frequently. If your symptoms persist, it could be time to think about a whole-home air filtration system. One of our professionals can walk you through the options 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 lingering in the house the following night. While air fresheners could mask the problem, the chemicals they give off 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 could 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 lend you our expertise. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 715-301-0256.