Modern homes are well sealed to keep heating and cooling indoors. While this improves energy efficiency, inadequate fresh air, indoor contaminants and nonstop recirculation can lead to problems.
Don’t worry, though, because Northern Comfort Inc can help you have an energy-efficient home that’s also comfortable. Our services include an air quality audit, air duct cleaning and products to help improve indoor air quality in Mankato area, Minnesota.
Call us at 507-387-6596 today to start refreshing your home’s indoor air quality.
Signs Your Home Has Poor Indoor Air Quality
Is your indoor air healthy? It might not be as fresh as you think. Pollution is often two to five times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Indoor air pollutants drifting through your home’s air can induce headaches and allergy symptoms. And mold and mildew can cause a number of health problems.
Health Problems
While these symptoms may be a consequence of other issues, they can also be a sign your home is struggling with indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. This is especially true if you feel normal again while you’re out of the house.
- Dry eyes, nose, throat or skin
- Headaches and sinus issues
- Fatigue
- Allergies or asthma symptoms that are worse than average
- Coughing and sneezing
- Dizziness or nausea
Environmental Problems
A well-worn heating and cooling system will sometimes be worsening indoor air quality problems, particularly if it’s unable to filter air, control humidity or keep temperatures consistent.
Here are a few other signs you may need to improve your indoor air:
- Excessive static or mold growth
- Excessive dust
- Stuffy or musty odors
How Can I Stop Indoor Air Quality Problems?
Avoiding indoor air quality problems should be comparatively easy with the following 10 simple tips:
- Schedule an indoor air quality audit with Northern Comfort Inc. We’ll examine areas that impact air quality, such as humidity, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Then we’ll walk you through problems we come across and how you can improve them.
- Clean consistently to control dust mites, which can worsen allergies and asthma.
- Do what you can to get rid of secondhand smoke.
- Install a whole-home filtration system to eliminate odors, rather than concealing them with air fresheners or strong candles. The pollutants include chemicals that can cause headaches or irritate respiratory conditions.
- Ventilate gas-burning appliances, including stoves and water heaters, outside.
- Keep your home’s humidity levels balanced with a humidifier or dehumidifier, according to your needs. Put humidity under 50% to restrict mold and mildew growth.
- Assess your home for radon. Long-term exposure to this invisible radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer amongst nonsmokers, as stated by the EPA. You can purchase a radon test kit online or get in contact with your state radon program for information on discounted or free kits.
- Use a ventilation system to replace contaminated indoor air with fresh outside air.
- Look for natural cleaning and painting materials that are low in or free of VOCs. Excess levels of VOCs can aggravate symptoms for family members with respiratory illnesses.
- Mount carbon monoxide detectors right outside bedrooms.
Start Cleaning Your Air Today with Northern Comfort Inc
With a full roster of NATE-Certified professionals and indoor air quality solutions, Northern Comfort Inc can help your family breathe much easier. Call us at 507-387-6596 or contact us online today to begin.
