Did you know you breathe an average of 3,400 gallons of air each day? Whether you’re inside or outside, you are breathing some level of pollutants, and while the allergy season may force you inside until the pollen dissipates, indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor. In fact, they rank among the top five environmental risks to public health.
Have your indoor air quality checked regularly by your HVAC professional when you have your heating and cooling system checked. In addition, take steps to improve the air in your home and limit your family’s exposure to pollutants like dust mites or pet dander. Make dusting your home part of a regular routine. Let fresh air into the house as often as possible by opening doors and windows when the weather permits. Change the air filters in your HVAC system every six months. Filters trap 85 percent of large airborne particles, but they only work if the filters are cleaned regularly.
Pollutants can accumulate in any room of the house, but kitchens and bathrooms are particularly susceptible if not ventilated correctly. Make sure you have a range hood or venting system in your kitchen to move the steam and heat from cooking out of the house. In the bathroom, a good exhaust fan will also keep the humidity levels down, preventing mold and mildew. Humidity levels should be at about 30-50 percent throughout the house, otherwise the moisture breeds pollutants. Running your air conditioner helps to keep the air drier and feeling cooler during the summer months.
Be sure to test for radon if you’ve got an enclosed basement. Your HVAC professional can recommend a good test and then if it is positive, can help you to correct the problem.
HGH Mechanical Inc. can help you to take good test at your indoor air quality. Call 410-679-3794 now.
Source: Infograph, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
