The Importance of In-Home Air Filtration
If you are sneezing, coughing or feeling congested in your home, you’re not alone. Many individuals often hear about high alert allergy days, high pollen days outdoors, or even extreme heat days in the summer causing them to have a difficult time breathing. But what you may not know is that the air in your home can be just as polluted, or even more, than exterior air. So, how do you know and what should you do?
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality.
According to OSHA poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms ranging from bad headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and even eye, nose and throat irritation. For children, indoor air quality can lead to all the above but also extreme cases cause asthmatic symptoms or flares. Other signs like breathing difficulties, coughing and allergy-like symptoms could be masked as seasonal illness but can be caused by the air in your home.
Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality.
While the causes of poor air in your home can vary, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America site four main factors that affect indoor air quality: ventilation, filtration, humidity and sources of pollution, irritants, and allergens. Poor ventilation can cause higher humidity levels in your home leading to mold and mildew. Proper air filters help to trap dust and other air particles as they move through your ventilation system, however these should be changed often especially in homes with pets. These filters can help to filter dust mites, pollen and mold particles. Even scents and chemicals in your home can cause it to be hard for you to breathe including items like scented candles, perfumes, air fresheners, new paints, or even new furniture and rugs.
How You Can Help the Air Quality in Your Home
There are several ways to improve the air quality in your home including:
- Changing your filters every 2-3 months (or more in homes with pets). Do you know what types of filters you are using? We are happy to discuss your options with you to see the best products for your unique needs.
- Control the sources of pollution by removing scented items and opt for natural cleaning products.
- Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or schedule a maintenance check to ensure your HVAC system is running properly.
- Clean frequently by vacuuming and dusting to remove dust mites and debris.
- Consider an in-home air filtration system. A whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier can kill up to 99% of bacteria, mold, viruses, and allergens by using ultraviolet lights. These filters work within your existing duct work without any bulky equipment to remove both odors and pollutants that are causing you problems. Call us today to get more information or a free quote for your home.
Thornton’s Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Alamance County and surrounding areas for more than 50 years! If you suspect your home could have poor indoor air quality, we will inspect your ventilation system, review your air filter options and recommend a complete induct air purification system for your home or business. Call us today for any questions or to schedule your appointment and get one step closer to better indoor air quality.
