The term “air pollution” often makes you think of the air outside of the home. However, indoor air quality can be just as poor as outdoor air. It makes sense. We are spending more time indoors and our residences are becoming more energy-efficient, which means they’re air tight and keeping contaminants inside. You need 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. Too much humidity can assist with the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Small amounts of humidity can harm your mucous membranes and increase the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu and heighten other respiratory problems. Plus, your home’s furniture and woodwork can be impacted by both low and high humidity levels. Fortunately, you can balance your home’s humidity levels with humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
2. Allergens
The most frequent indoor allergen is dust mites. Additionally, their droppings are one of the most common causes of asthma and allergy symptoms. Since dust mites like pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a haven for allergens. Another big culprit is pet dander. So, if your pets are in your bedroom, even more allergens are building up. You can reduce the number of allergens in your bedroom by washing your bedding often and using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. You can take getting rid of allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from Northern Comfort Inc can show you 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 mask 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 can also hold true for other household cleaners. Plus, these dangers can be even more threatening to children and elderly people with respiratory issues. These health risks are even more reason to research a Lennox® whole-home filtration system.
The air in your home should support your health, not harm it. We want to use our expertise to ensure you have the best indoor air quality you can. To schedule an in-home air assessment or get more information about indoor air quality, call us at 507-387-6596.