The term “air pollution” usually makes you think of the air outside your home. However, indoor air quality can be just as bad as outdoor air. It makes sense. People 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 should to know what’s negatively affecting your indoor air quality so you can make it better. Here are three frequent problems with your indoor air quality.
1. Humidity Levels
Managing humidity levels can be difficult. Higher amounts of humidity can foster the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Lower amounts of humidity can damage your mucous membranes and increase the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu and increase other respiratory problems. Plus, your home’s furniture and woodwork can be damaged by both low and high humidity levels. Lucky for you, you can balance your home’s humidity levels with humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
2. Allergens
The most frequent indoor allergen is dust mites. In fact, their droppings are one of the most common causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Because dust mites like pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a haven for allergens. Another big allergen is pet dander. So, if your pets are in your bedroom, even more allergens are building up. You can lower the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding frequently and using a vacuum that includes a HEPA filter. You can take removing allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from Wallpe Heating & Cooling can show you all your options and help you select the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While it seems logical to cover up 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 contain. This holds true for many household cleaners. Plus, these dangers create greater threat 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 home should support your health, not harm it. We want to offer 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 812-663-7252.