What images do you conjure when you hear the word “pollution”? Does your brain paint the iconized picture of classic clouds emerging from palatial factories burning fossil fuels? Or, maybe you think of that old car you saw on the road yesterday, pumping dark, gray gas out of its exhaust. Outdoor pollution is commonplace; yet, indoor pollution is just as dangerous, but rarely discussed. So we are here to talk about it!
The realities of compromised air quality within your home shouldn’t cause for panic just yet, because we are going to help you breathe easier, by explaining what is compromising your air and outlining steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Pollutants and How to Get Rid of Them 101
1. Combustion Pollutants
Heat burning appliances, such as space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and dryers produce combustion pollutants. These pollutants are colorless, odorless gases created when materials are heated or burned. When heat-burning appliances are improperly installed or lack adequate ventilation, these gases remain in your safe haven, your home, compromising you and your family’s air quality.
Professional Maintenance
It is imperative to have a professional safely install all of your heat-burning appliances. Here at Bishop Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc., air quality is a priority. From cooktops and ranges to outdoor grills and hot water heaters, our trained technicians complete quality, up-to-code installations so you can breathe easy. Your home should get a check-up twice a year to ensure all of your home’s plumbing, heating, and cooling needs are addressed.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds
Organic chemicals are the most prevalent pollutants within your home. In your cleaning supplies to furnishings, and in artificial fragrances to crafting supplies, such as your kids’ glue and markers, an array of these toxic chemicals are present. These chemicals cohabitate with you daily and attach to your home’s carpets and couches.
Keep Your Space Spick and Span
We know vacuuming isn’t most people’s idea of a good time, but keeping your home clean is your first line of defense against pollutants. Carpets are great for two things: barefoot living, and trapping dust and other airborne particles. Vacuuming will remove the dust and dirt that makes it into your home, and prevent it from becoming airborne again.
3. Biological Sources
Mold, mildew, pet dander, and dust pose a threat to overall human health, as pollutants from biological sources can cause an increase in allergy-like and asthma-like symptoms, such as irritated eyes, scratchy throats, stuffy noses, and difficulty breathing.
Control Moisture
Humidity is the main contributor to mold growth. Investing in a dehumidifier will reduce airborne moisture and halt mold advancement.
Clean Air Filters
Your air filtration system pumps air into your home, and when dust, dirt, and grime accumulate within the duct system, it gets pushed out into your living space. So how do you know when it’s time for a filter change? There are three easy signs that tell you its time: your home is dustier than normal, your utility bill spikes without explanation, or your HVAC system is taking longer to cool your space. Changing air filters every month or two will ensure that you and your family are breathing easy.