The term “air pollution” typically makes you think of the air outside your home. In reality, indoor air quality can be just as bad as outdoor air. It makes sense. People are spending more time indoors and our houses are becoming more energy-efficient, which means homes are air tight and capturing contaminants inside. You should to know what’s negatively impacting your indoor air quality to help make it better. Here are three typical problems with your indoor air quality.
1. Humidity Levels
Managing humidity levels can be tricky. Lots of humidity can foster the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Small amounts of humidity can harm your mucous membranes and increase the possibility of contracting a cold or flu and heighten other respiratory problems. Plus, any 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 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. Since dust mites love pillows and bedding, your bedroom is a retreat for allergens. Another big factor is pet dander. So, if your pets sleep 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 includes a HEPA filter. You can take eliminating allergens to a new level with a whole-home air filtration system. A professional from Lakeside Heating & Air can walk through all your options and help you find the perfect system for your needs.
3. Household Chemicals and Odors
While it seems logical to mask bad household smells with air fresheners, they can actually cause health issues—like eye, throat and lung irritation—from the chemicals used. This is also true for many household cleaners. Plus, these dangers pose greater risk 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 living space should help your health, not damage 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 get more information about indoor air quality, call us at 509-284-4265.