Is the air in your home safe to breathe? Most people fail to realize just how important their house’s indoor air quality (IAQ) is to their overall wellness. Indoor air pollutants and allergens can cause a number of health problems, especially for residents with asthma or allergies. Here are a few ways to help you breathe easier and keep your loved ones healthy.
Watch for Moisture
Mold and mildew are both common asthma triggers and allergenic compounds. Some varieties can be particularly damaging to even a healthy person’s lungs. Mold commonly grows in damp environments such as your kitchen, bathroom or inside the walls. The spores that are released help the fungus grow and spread throughout the home. The easiest way to reduce and remove mold or mildew is to keep your house dry. Invest in a dehumidifier to keep humidity down in problematic areas and don’t let condensation sit for too long.
Keep Pests Out
Rats, cockroaches and other rodents and insects are more than just unwanted pests; the waste they leave behind can cause health problems long after they’re gone. Roaches naturally carry a protein that is a common allergen as well as an asthmatic trigger. This can be especially problematic for indoor air quality if these pests get in your air ducts, as the contaminated air will then circulate throughout your home. Dust mites that live on carpet and furniture leave behind droppings and microscopic shell pieces that are similarly allergenic.
Vacuum and dust regularly to keep insect debris to a minimum. If you suspect pests have been in your ducts it’s also a good idea to have them professionally cleaned and sealed to prevent future incursions.
Monitor Indoor Gas Levels
Not all air pollutants are as easy to detect and handle. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to the fact that it can so easily go undetected. Symptoms of exposure can vary depending on a person’s age, the levels of CO and the length of exposure. Extended periods of exposure to even low CO levels can lead to flu-like symptoms, while high levels can result in death. Carbon monoxide sensors are inexpensive pieces of equipment that you can likely find at your local hardware store. Similar to smoke detectors, the sensors will activate a siren when dangerous CO levels are detected.
Keep Your HVAC Maintained
The air in your home is filtered through your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. AC systems, in particular, contain powerful filters designed to remove pollutants from the air before it is spread throughout your home. It’s important to regularly maintain your HVAC system, replacing AC filters at least once every other month. Families with members who are allergic or asthmatic might consider replacing their AC filters on a monthly basis.
HVAC Services in Greensboro, NC
Kay Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to meeting the needs of our North Carolina HVAC customers. The safety of your family is a high priority for our company, which is why we’re committed to educating our clients on the importance of indoor air quality and how to improve it. We’re proud to offer heating and air conditioning repair, as well as installation services.
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