2020 has been an unpredictable year, but if there’s one thing that’s been a constant over the last 10 months or so, and is likely to continue on well into 2021, is that everyone is spending more time inside their homes. Maybe it’s because you’re working remotely now, or maybe you’ve just been trying to stay safe from COVID-19 with your family and enjoy more cozy evenings in, but you’ve likely been relying more than ever before on your house as a place to keep you healthy and protected. While staying in your home is a change, your indoor air quality changes the more time in your home.
But did you know that the EPA estimates that indoor air, even in homes, is estimated to be two to five times as polluted as outdoor air? If you haven’t spent much time thinking about the indoor air quality or IAQ of your Duncan or Chickasha area home until now, here’s what you should know.
WHAT CAN CAUSE POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN A HOME?
Air pollutants from your home come from two places—either they are outdoor air pollutants like pollen, mold spores, dirt and dust, or other allergens that get inside through open windows or air leaks in your home, or they originate from inside your house, and build up indoors because of a lack of proper ventilation.
Indoor air pollutants can be traced back to a number of different every-day sources in your home, including:
- COOKING AND SHOWERING (HUMIDITY)
- CLEANING PRODUCTS (VOCS)
- CHEMICAL OFF GASSING FROM FURNITURE AND CARPETS (VOCS)
- YOUR PETS (PET DANDER)
- HUMANS (BACTERIA, VIRUSES, GERMS)
As you spend more and more time inside, more air pollutants are likely to be created, which means that you’ll be exposed for longer amounts of time to poor indoor air quality.
HOW CAN I MAKE THE AIR IN MY HOME CLEANER AND HEALTHIER?
One of the most powerful tools you have to fight back against poor indoor air quality in your home is with mechanical HVAC solutions.
Advanced air filtration in your heating and cooling system removes very small particles and pollutants from your air as it circulates through your system and throughout your home.
Humidity control systems keep your home within proper humidity levels so that your house isn’t too humid (which can lead to mold growth) or too dry (which can create dry or itchy skin, respiratory issues, and damage to the wood and furniture in your home).
Finally, whole home air purifiers are installed inside your HVAC system, out of sight, and clean your air as it passes through your ductwork. Whole home air purifiers are more effective than portable room air purifiers because they cover the entire house, so you can breathe easier knowing that air pollutants are being removed from all the rooms in your home.
TALK TO DEHART FOR PEACE OF MIND INDOORS THIS WINTER
Improving the indoor air quality in your home is an important step for families who are looking to stay safe and healthy over the coming months, so reach out to the HVAC and air quality experts at DeHart Air Conditioning & Heating today. For 100 years, we’ve been helping Oklahoma homeowners stay comfortable indoors, and with superior customer service and HVAC expertise, we can help you create a healthier indoor environment in your home.