How clean is your indoor air?
We hear all sorts of things about outdoor air quality – the pollen count, pollution levels, allergens – you name it! But, what about the air you are breathing indoors? Yes, we spend a lot of time outdoors, but chances are we spend even more time in our home – especially during the winter.
The fall and spring are peak allergy seasons. They are also the time of year when it is the most tempting to open the windows and let in a cool breeze. If you are an allergy sufferer, this can spell trouble. Yes, those allergens will get filtered out eventually, but not before you have the opportunity to inhale them.
In addition to allergies, here are some other indoor air concerns during the fall…
Dust
Chemicals
Poor Air Circulation and Humidity
Air Fresheners
Household Cleaners
Mold
It’s hard to avoid all of the things that can affect indoor air during the fall. However, there are things you can do to counter the effects of fall.
- Check your furnace filter. We recommend changing your furnace filter frequently – once a season, if not more! Some households, like those with pets, can benefit from a filter change once a month.
- Look at natural air fresheners and cleaning solutions. Often, a mess won’t require a heavy-duty cleaner – lemon juice, baking soda, water or some combo may be all that you need. Odor elimination may be as simple as changing your furnace filter or taking out the trash.
- Control the humidity of your home. We are so focused on temperature when it comes to home comfort, but did you know that humidity can be as big of a factor as temperature when it comes to comfort. In fact, did you know that a home with a higher humidity level is going to feel warmer than a home at the same temperature with a lower humidity level? During mild seasons, like the spring and fall, your heating and air system is not going to run as often. This will cause the humidity in your home to rise. Your air is not being circulated as often, so it is not being filtered as often. If you are concerned about air quality, it may be a good idea to switch your thermostat’s fan setting from “AUTO” to “ON.”
Ultimately, the best way to take control of your indoor air quality is to talk to your heating and air contractor about having an indoor air quality system installed in your home – like a whole home air cleaner.
