The term “air pollution” typically makes you think of the air outside of the home. Actually, indoor air quality can be just as harmful as outdoor air. It makes sense. We are spending more time indoors and our residences are becoming more energy-efficient, which means they are air tight and trapping contaminants inside. You need to know what’s negatively affecting your indoor air quality in order to make it better. Here are three frequent problems with your indoor air quality.
1. Humidity Levels
Managing humidity levels can be hard. Higher amounts of humidity can foster the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Small amounts of humidity can damage your mucous membranes and increase the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu and heighten other respiratory problems. Plus, the 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 common indoor allergen is dust mites. As a matter of fact, their droppings are one of the most frequent causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Seeing that dust mites love pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a retreat for allergens. Another big culprit is pet dander. So, if your pets hang out in your bedroom, even more allergens are building up. You can reduce the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding frequently and using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. You can take removing allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from Heartland Heating & Cooling can walk through all your options and help you find the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While people may think it’s 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 consist of. This is also 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 consider a Lennox® whole-home filtration system.
The air in your home should contribute to your health, not harm it. We want to use our expertise to ensure you have the best indoor air quality available. To schedule an in-home air assessment or inquire about indoor air quality, call us at 515-344-3579.