With COVID19 on the rise and stay-at-home orders in effect, people throughout the United States are being confined to their homes now more than ever. School is cancelled, offices are closed and major sporting events are postponed. Parents and children are experiencing a new kind of norm and which brings new joys and challenges.
While many are concerned about their health outside their homes, it is important to consider their health inside the home as well. Many factors including improper insulation can lead to indoor air quality issues.
Common short-term effects of indoor air pollution include:
- dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin,
- headaches,
- fatigue,
- shortness of breath,
- hypersensitivity and allergies,
- sinus congestion,
- coughing and
- sneezing.
If exposed to poor air quality conditions long-term include:
- worsening respiratory disease (asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis),
- heart disease, and
- lung cancer.
Are you ready for the good news? There are solutions to improve the air quality in your home and protect the health of your family.
Air Seal and Insulate Home
Proper home insulation and air sealing can help mitigate the above risks. When places where potential drafts could occur are insulated and sealed, you are protecting your home from outside allergens and pollutants that can result in indoor air quality problems.
By eliminating unwanted air leaks into your home, you can better control your indoor air quality. With no other entry points, all of the air that travels into your home has to do so through your HVAC system, which has filters that are specifically designed to help control the contents of the air. These filters can help prevent just about all common contaminants from entering your living space. Dust and other pollutants are stopped at the surface of the insulation, preventing them from entering the home, which allows you enjoy a higher quality of indoor air.
Change Air Filter Regularly
As air re-circulates throughout your home, dust and other particles will be distributed as well. A clean and well-maintained filter will block these unwanted allergens from recirculating in the living space. A clogged filter could slow the air moving throughout your duct system causing more dust to settle in the ductwork and run the risk of overheating or freezing up your HVAC equipment.
Use Cooking Vents
Many indoor air pollutants come from the kitchen. Gas stoves release harmful contaminants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric burners produce those same pollutants in lower levels, as well as other particles that can be easily absorbed into your bloodstream. So, when you’re cooking, be sure to turn on your kitchen vents, or open a window to help filter out the air even more.
Keep Rugs and Carpets Clean
Rugs and carpets do more than increase the comfort of your home. They act as their own air filters, trapping dust and other particles in their many fibers. Clean your carpets and rugs weekly and they will keep working for you, improving the air quality in your home just by lying there!
Pay attention to the side effects of poor air quality. If you start experiencing these symptoms while in your home, it may be time to take the steps mentioned above.
To learn more about indoor air quality and the overall efficiency measures you can take to provide a safe living environment for you and your loved ones, contact us today for a free home environment. One of our energy efficiency specialists would be happy to help!