We spend most of our lives within the four walls of our homes. In fact, research shows that people these days are spending up to 90% of their time indoors, whether that’s at home or in the workplace. If the indoor air quality surrounding you daily isn’t as clean as it could be, you might be at risk for certain health conditions. Stuffy noses, asthma, and headaches are just a few of the symptoms you might be facing.

Factors Affecting the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Indoor air quality is usually affected mostly by air pollution sources that emit gases or particles into the air. However, there are actually many other factors that can create poor air quality inside, including:

• Chemicals. Chemicals in the air often cause eye or nose irritation, and possibly other long-term effects. Chemicals get in the air from cleaning products or deodorizers, or personal factors like smoking.
• Ventilation. Not having enough ventilation keeps the outdoor air from entering a home, causing pollutants to accumulate and post health problems.
• Humidity. Not enough humidity inside can cause problems like dry skin and eye irritation, while too much humidity can cause the growth mold and dust mites.
• Pets or pests. Pets and pests like roaches or dust mites cause a buildup of allergens, and those with allergies are far too aware of the effects ongoing allergies can have on their lives. Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes or throat are just a few of the symptoms allergy sufferers face.
• Temperature. Extreme temperatures can cause poor indoor air quality and very unhealthy situations. Plus, air that is too warm can add to humidity levels.
• HVAC issues. Your heating and cooling system can affect not only the temperature in your home if it isn’t working optimally, but dirty filter and ductwork also contribute to the air quality, especially if there is dust or microbiological growth in the ducts.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

There are steps you can take to ensure the air in your home is as clean as it can be. First, increase the ventilation. This doesn’t necessarily mean throwing open the windows every week- we all know that isn’t entirely possible in Northeast Ohio anyway!- because that may actually let outdoor pollutants in and make things work. However, you can install screens with filters that help allow fresh air in while kicking the bad stuff out. Secondly, keep that air conditioning running in the summer. This will not only keep the temperature steady and comfortable, but also reduces the humidity levels.  Finally, try to limit the amount of chemicals you’re introducing into the air. Use natural cleaning products and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter so all the dust and allergens you’re sweeping up don’t get emitted back into the air.

Do you have questions about the indoor air quality in your home? If you’re in the Cleveland area and need some expert advice, give us a call at 216-663-6462.