When we think of air pollution, we usually think of the outside air, but the EPA ranks indoor air quality as a top 5 environmental risk to our general health. Not only are we spending more time in our homes, but our homes are becoming more energy efficient and air tight which keeps impurities inside the home. Before you can combat the things negatively impacting your indoor air, you must first recognize what these things are.
1. Humidity Levels
Your home’s humidity is a unique situation – you don’t want to have too much humidity because that can increase the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. If your air is too dry it may cause 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 may damage your furniture and woodwork. Luckily, with the help of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, homeowners are able to control the humidity levels of their home and keep it at that ideal humidity level.
2. Allergens
The bedroom is where a lot of allergens are in your house, with the most common indoor allergen, dust mites. Dust mite droppings are the one of the largest causes of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, there’s also the matter of pet dander which could also be irritating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding regularly. If your symptoms continue, it might be time to think about a whole-home air filtration system. One of our professionals can walk you through the options and choose 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 produce might create other problems. 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 risk 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 factoring in to your health and comfort and we want to help ensure it does. We know you’re doing all you can do to keep your home comfortable. Let us offer our expertise. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 952-373-0377.