Over the past several years, it has become evident that the air quality inside a home is typically more polluted than the air outside the home. In fact, the air within a residence can be five times more polluted than the air we breathe outside. Furthermore, research indicates that many people spend 90% of their time indoors. As a result, indoor air quality, or IAQ, can significantly affect an individual’s health and well-being. For this reason, Lebanon Heating & Cooling is here to go over the importance of indoor air quality and give you the best options on how to improve the IAQ in your home.
When Should You Use a Humidifier?
Have you ever experienced dry or chapped skin during the wintertime? Chances are your answer is yes, so you may know all too well the discomfort it brings. Dry air sucks the moisture out of the air, resulting in considerably lowered levels of humidity. When this occurs, side effects of dry air include regular nose bleeds and issues with sleeping and breathing. The best option many homeowners opt for to counteract low humidity levels is to utilize a dehumidifier. Adding moisture to the air within your home by using a humidifier is an excellent way to boost IAQ.
When Should You Use a Dehumidifier?
Perhaps dry air isn’t an issue for you, and you are encountering the opposite problem – overly moisturized air. If so, this is the time to bust out that dehumidifier you’ve been saving on the back of your garage shelf. Of course, humidity levels change along with the seasons. But generally, it is recommended that balanced humility levels within a home should stay between 30%-50%. In addition, if high humidity continues to remain a problem, it can create mold and allergen issues. This, of course, will reap unwelcomed health effects such as respiratory and heart-related problems.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Help with Your Home’s IAQ?
There are many advantages to having a smart thermostat in your home- one of them being the ability to detect poor air quality. When utilized properly, a smart thermostat can read the air quality within your home. Upon receiving a low IAQ reading, the smart thermostat will signal your HVAC system, resulting in the fan being turned on and the stale air being guided back into the return ducts. This feature is a convenient way for homeowners to stay on top of the IAQ in their homes. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat installed, there are various affordable options available. Call us today for more information!
How Do Air Filters Help with Indoor Air Quality?
An easy way to stay on top of the IAQ upkeep in your home is simply by keeping your air filters changed out regularly. Our NATE-certified technicians suggest that your filters be changed every 1 -2 months. Otherwise, a clogged or dirty filter will be counterproductive to its job and push out the particles and allergens only to be circulated once again in your home. Ick!
What Pollutant Sources Should You Watch Out for?
So now that you know how to raise your indoor air quality, what pollutant sources should you watch out for? The following are common pollutants sources or contaminants that you should know. Keep in mind that these are a few of the more common pollutants, but the list is not limited to only what you see here. Different people respond to different things, so if you or an individual in your home are experiencing discomfort or side effect, take some time to pinpoint the culprit. Common pollutant sources are any fuel-burning combustion appliances, tobacco products, construction or building materials like asbestos, pet fur or dander, allergens, mold and mildew, excessive moisture, and hazardous household cleaning products.
Lebanon Heating & Cooling is here to assist you. We want nothing but the best for you, your home, and your family! That means that your health and well-being are at the top of the list. When it comes to improving the indoor air quality in your home, it doesn’t have to be complicated. We are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you as you embark on this journey. Call us at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
