Most people don’t realize that indoor air pollution levels can actually be much higher than outdoor levels — typically two to five times higher, but sometimes much more than that.
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, that level of pollution can make your symptoms worse, and you’ll suffer as a result. Some of the most common irritants in the air inside your home include:
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Cockroach droppings
- Pollen
Here are four suggestions for reducing these airborne irritants in your home:
- Get your HVAC systems serviced every year – An old or improperly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can provide the perfect conditions for producing and spreading mold and other microorganisms; regularly maintaining (or replacing, if necessary ) your HVAC systems is a key to keeping your home air healthy.
- Change your filters regularly – Keeping your air conditioning filters clean can make a big difference in managing your allergy symptoms. Check your filters every 30 days (more often if you have furry pets), and follow manufacturer’s filter cleaning and replacement instructions to minimize exposure to allergens from your HVAC system.
- Clean your air ducts – If you experience a stale smell when you first start your air conditioner or furnace, see mold near your air vents, or otherwise suspect mold may be growing inside your HVAC system, have your air ducts cleaned. Keeping your ductwork sealed can also help prevent mold growth (and save you money, too).
- Keep healthy humidity levels – Different irritants grow in different conditions, so air that is too dry or too damp can cause respiratory issues. A portable humidifier or dehumidifier can help, but a whole house version of either can really make a difference in your ability to breathe comfortably (you could qualify to have one installed if you sign up for a home energy assessment – contact us for details)
- Add a whole-house add purifier – Whole house air purifiers and UV filters take your HVAC system’s filtering up several notches, capturing even the smallest particles in your indoor air and preventing the conditions that lead to microorganism growth.