According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality risk to our health. Did you know indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? Most of these indoor contaminants are not visible to the naked eye, but every cubic foot of air we breathe in our homes is loaded with microscopic particles–mold, pollen, dust mite debris. If significant concentrations are present, they can cause discomfort to trigger illnesses like chronic asthma and allergies.
Ensuring Your Home’s Air Quality Is Safe
Installing indoor air quality add-ons to your HVAC system can help make your home a much healthier place. They dramatically improve air quality by filtering air, controlling humidity levels, and cycling outdoor air into the home. These add-ons help prevent asthma and reduce allergies- and they can boost productivity, too! If the add-ons aren’t right for you, there are also many options for filters for your home. If you are sensitive to airborne particles, consider a thicker filter made to catch even the smallest irritants. Standard filters sometimes just aren’t enough for everyone.
Keep Your Humidity In Check
Also consider the proper levels of humidity for your home, in both warmer and cooler environments, depending on the time of year. Controlling humidity minimizes unhealthy airborne pollutants. Proper humidification levels are equally important in both hot and cold environments. Too little humidity can increase the body’s vulnerability to infections and can even damage wood furnishings. Too much humidity creates ideal circumstances for mold and mildew growth and dust mites. Adding a dehumidifier and a humidistat to your home can help you control the levels of humidity more easily. We recommend a level between 50 and 60 percent.
Get A Breath Of Fresh Air
Drawing fresh outdoor air into the home is very healthy. Although the process occurs naturally, levels of fresh air that enters vary depending on just how “tight” the structure is. Opening windows is a simple option, but it is also energy wasting. Instead, try energy-efficient Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems. These will exchange indoor air for outdoor air while still recovering energy being used to heat or cool the home.
Here at BHS, we offer a full range of comfort solutions to maximize your indoor air quality. Whether your concern is humidity or airborne irritants, we have the proper fix for you. If you’d like to learn more about how to improve your indoor air quality, give us a call at (239) 291-0860.
