It’s not uncommon to think more about the air quality outside than indoors. This may be particularly true on days when you notice that the air quality in and around De Pere is particularly good or somewhat poor. However, indoor air quality is a factor in your overall health as well. In some cases, it can be substantially worse than the air quality outdoors. At Healthy Home Heating & Cooling LLC, we offer indoor air quality services. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality, it can be helpful to first understand what in your home can be a factor in reducing that quality.
Moisture
Humidity, leaks and anything else that creates excessive moisture can worsen the air quality in your home. Some humidity is desirable, but if you have too much, it can make mold more likely to grow. It can also make your home more attractive to creatures like cockroaches, and bacteria and viruses may be more likely to thrive.
Dry Air
Just as too much moisture in the air is a problem, so is air that is too dry. It can irritate your throat and nasal passages and dry out your skin. The key is not to keep your air very dry or very humid but to find a healthy balance between the two.
Your Activities
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that smoking decreases your indoor air quality. However, there are a number of other human activities that can as well that you may not think of as harmful. Cleaning, general household maintenance and even some hobbies can all affect indoor air quality. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should stop doing those tasks. However, you might want to pay attention to any cleaning supplies and other chemicals that you use and note whether they contain ingredients that could affect your air quality. Many of these products emit gases known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can deplete your air quality.
Furnishings, Carpet and Buildings
Furnishings and even your home itself can also emit VOCs. Carpet, flooring and pressed wood products are among the items that may lower your home’s indoor air quality because of these VOCs. Furthermore, carpets can trap dust mites, mold spores, dirt and more. This is particularly true if the carpets are old. Older homes may have asbestos or lead in them. There are steps you can take to protect yourself against VOCs. For example, when you get a new carpet, you can have it aired out ahead of time. Some products are low or no emissions.
Pets
We all love our pets, but dogs, cats and other pets can shed dander and hair that can build up and decrease the air quality in your home. Dander in particular, which comes from animals with fur or feathers, can cling to furniture and cause allergic reactions.
Ventilation
A lack of ventilation can also harm your indoor air quality. An airtight home should not be your goal. Fresh air is an important element of good quality indoor air. However, this is not always straightforward because if your outdoor air quality is poor, keeping your windows closed might be the way to go. If you are allergic to pollen or have other seasonal allergies, outdoor air might also have a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality.
Indoor Combustion
Gas stoves, propane heaters and wood fires can also be sources of poor indoor quality. As with activities like cleaning, you can’t simply stop cooking or heating your home. However, there are steps you can take to make indoor combustion safer, such as getting devices that monitor or filter the pollution levels in your home.
You may not think much about indoor quality unless you notice mold or unusual smells or your health is affected. However, your indoor air quality can be in need of improvement even if there are no obvious signs that it is poor. At Healthy Home Heating & Cooling LLC, we can provide humidifiers that integrate with your HVAC system, which can be helpful during dry De Pere winters. We also offer air filters and air purifiers that can either trap or remove pollutants from your home and improve your indoor air quality.
If you are concerned about indoor air quality or want to schedule duct cleaning in your home, contact Healthy Home Heating & Cooling LLC today to discuss what we can do for you.
