Indoor Air Health = Your Health
When a home is closed up for an extended period – say, in winter when the furnace is on or in summer when the air conditioning is running – indoor air quality can suffer. Air that is polluted with debris such as dust, mold, and chemical residues often cause symptoms that mimic allergies or a cold. Sinus congestion, coughing and sneezing, headache, and fatigue are all ways that the body tries to communicate with us that something is amiss.
There are multiple things we can do to improve and maintain our indoor air quality. These efforts may seem small, but when combined, they pack a powerful punch.
Maintain the appropriate humidity levels on all floors of the home (including basement): The ideal humidity level for your home is 40-45%. Humidity can be measured with a hygrometer, giving you real-time information on the moisture level of the air in your home. You can then adjust accordingly with measures such as opening the windows to let natural moisture in or running a dehumidifier to bring the levels back to a healthy balance.
Keep the air moving: Ventilation inside your home is one of the most important things to keep an eye on. Closed windows and doors, as we run furnaces and air conditioners, can lead to stagnant and stale air, allowing toxins to linger. Use ceiling fans and ventilation systems built into bathrooms and kitchens for help. Even better, open the windows on mild days – even for just a few minutes – to let fresh outside air circulate inside your home.
Utilize air cleaners: Air purifiers are the obvious choice when removing toxins from the air, but there’s more. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and indoor live plants are all excellent ways to improve indoor air quality.
Direct melting snow and ice to run away from the home: With a spring thaw comes melting snow and ice that can not only over-saturate the ground around your home but can find its way inside through tiny cracks and openings in things like roofs and window seals. That moisture can lead to indoor mold growth. Be sure downspouts are clear of debris and lead away from your home, and regularly inspect usual leak culprits such as window and door seals and areas around pipes leading from your home to the outdoors.
Use natural products: Chemical residues from things like cleaning agents, air fresheners, and certain candles can substantially inhibit good air quality. Focus on using all-natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking powder, and use beeswax candles as they burn clean.
Digging in further, indoor air can be tested for various pollutants. Air quality and lift-tape testing can reveal if mold is present in the air, which can then be remediated and the source of the problem corrected. Other indoor air testing agents include carbon monoxide detectors and VOC kits.
Indoor air quality is important for the health of ourselves and our families. These tips can help ensure you’re on the right track. If you have questions, or suspect your air quality might need to be checked, give us a call.