With spring in full effect, it is that time of the year when pollen and allergens are a prominent issue. For many people who suffer from allergy symptoms, staying indoors is optimal. However, it is not uncommon for pollen and other contaminants to still cause discomfort indoors. Studies have shown that most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. However, did you know that the indoor air quality within a residence is proven to be five times more polluted than the outdoors? Indoor air quality, also referred to as IAQ, is important for you and your family’s health and wellbeing. Because your well-being is a concern of ours, your Monroe Heating & Air family is here to walk you through all the aspects of IAQ and how to prevent short-term and long-term effects.
What are Common Pollutant Sources?
In order to be able to recognize and remove a pollutant source from your home, it is wise to be familiar with the most common ones.
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Radon
- Building materials (i.e., asbestos)
- Lead particles
- Pet fur or dander
- Mold & mildew
- Pollen and other allergens
- Second-hand smoke
Age and preexisting medical conditions should be considered when determining what may cause one individual to react and not another. In addition, keep in mind that it is common for it to take more than one exposure to a pollutant before you start to see adverse effects. Sometimes it takes multiple exposures before you notice the adverse side effects.
What Strategies Can You Use to Balance Indoor Air Quality?
Unbalanced levels of IAQ in your home can cause many different issues. So whether you are encountering dry air, overly moisturized air, or are irritated by an allergen or particular contaminant, hope is not lost. There are several strategies you can use depending on your need to balance the indoor air quality inside of your home:
- How Will a Humidifier Boost Indoor Air Quality?
A humidifier helps bring dry air to a more balanced level within a home. It is usual for dry skin, nose bleeds, and sleeping or breathing problems to become an issue during the colder months. Air is naturally lower in humidity when temperatures are freezing. So to counteract this, you can raise the level of moisture by utilizing a humidifier.
- How Will a Dehumidifier Raise Indoor Air Quality?
A healthy level of humidity in your should be between 30%-50%. If you encounter excessive moisture issues in your IAQ, then it is wise to consider using a
dehumidifier. Excessive moisture enables mold and mildew growth to occur. Mold and mildew have been linked to causing heart and respiratory issues. By using a dehumidifier, the moisture levels will be reduced back to a more balanced level, thus boosting the IAQ in your home.
- How Does the iWave-R Effect Indoor Air Quality?
If you or anyone in your family suffer from allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory-related condition, we highly recommend the iWave-R. This system is a whole-home air purifying system that functions with your current HVAC system. The iWave-R purifies air through the use of positive and negative ions. If this seems like something that would be beneficial to you, your home, and your family, then please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
- How Does a Smart Thermostat Help with Indoor Air Quality?
Many homeowners have embraced using smart thermostats in their homes in today’s technological world. Smart thermostats come with many advantageous features aside from their energy-efficient settings. In addition, smart thermostats can detect poor IAQ in a home and communicate with your HVAC system resulting in fresh air being adequately circulated.
Your Monroe Heating & Air experts are here to assist you in improving indoor air quality in your home. Don’t let this process phase you. Call us today to go over any questions or concerns you may have. Perhaps you are interested in the iWave-R or want to have a smart thermostat installed; we would be more than happy to assist you in your IAQ endeavors. Our friendly and courteous customer service representatives will get you booked for our soonest available appointment. All of our technicians are NATE-certified, and we will work together as we find the best resolution for you! Call (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
