When we think of air pollution, we typically think of the outside air, 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 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 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 mean respiratory problems and boosts 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 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 many allergens are in your house, with the most common indoor allergen, dust mites. Dust mite droppings are the one of the largest producers of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you have pets, there’s also the matter of pet dander which could also be aggravating your allergies. Keep your bedroom dust-free taking advantage of a vacuum with a HEPA filter and wash your bedding on a regular basis. If your symptoms continue, it may be time to look into a whole-home air filtration system. One of our experts can walk you through the possibilities and identify the system that would work best for you.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
The smell of a late 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 may 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 may be just what your home needs.
The air you breathe should be contributing 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 offer our years of experience. If you have any questions for us or would like an in-home air assessment give us a call at 270-358-3167.