Now that school is starting, your house is in peak hustle and bustle season. Soccer is back in session, cheerleading has kicked off, and your kids, their friends, teammates, and school project partners, are all coming and going. It’s still summer, but your home just went from relaxing abode to grand central station overnight. And, with the increase in traffic, comes an increase in dust, dirt, and debris—all of which can compromise your indoor air quality.
As many activities your kids participate in, they still spend a ton of time in your home doing homework, watching Saturday morning cartoons, and having sleepovers with their peers. A healthy home is a must. So, we, here at Hedrick’s Service Now, have made a shortlist for understanding what causes indoor pollution and how you can prevent poor indoor air quality.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Biological Sources
Pet dander, dirt, and dust easily find their way into your home when you have an active family, or if you have any four-legged family members. However, these biological sources pose problematic health implications, such as flu-like symptoms, watery eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems, for you and your family.
Solution: Clean Air Filters
In order to reduce the impact of dust, dirt, and dander in your home, you must regularly replace your air filters. Your air conditioning system pumps air into your home, and when biological sources build-up within your duct system, these compounds get distributed throughout your living space.
It is time for a filter change if your house is visibly dusty, your utility bill unexplainably increases, or your HVAC system requires longer cooling cycles to lower the temperature in your space. Change your air filters every month, and your indoor air quality will remain in good standing.
Additionally, installing indoor air quality systems are the best way to ensure your home is free of pollutants. Contact a professional HVAC technician to install your purifying system today.
Combustion Pollutants
Back to school for your kids means two things—the return of that never-ending pile of laundry, and constant bake sales. Your dryer is constantly spinning, and your oven and stove seem to always be in high demand. So, it is essential that they are installed properly, and are running efficiently.
When any heat burning appliance malfunctions, combustion pollutants are released into your home. These pollutants are created when materials are heated, or burned, and are colorless and odorless. If your home does not have adequate ventilation, these pollutants can make you and your kids very sick.
So, how do you detect a colorless and odorless pollutant? You keep an eye out for these symptoms: headache, fatigue, queasiness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. If you or your family experience any of these health changes, it is imperative you get checked out by a doctor, as combustion pollutants can lead to lung disease, including cancer.
Solution: Professional Maintenance
You should schedule annual maintenance for all of your air ventilation systems, plumbing, and gas lines. This will ensure your home, and your kids are protected in the case of an appliance breakdown.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Believe it or not, most cleaning supplies are actually bad for your home environment. Kind of counter-intuitive, don’t you think? We do. Your space may look spick and span, but your air can still be compromised.
Volatile organic compounds are also used in kids' school supplies, such as glue and colored markers. When you open, or use, these products in your home, they become airborne and linger, as chemical particles fall and absorb into your carpets and furniture.
Solution: Look for Products Labeled “VOC Free”
This one is a simple fix! Purchase “VOC Free” cleaning products and crafting supplies, and the integrity of your air quality, in relation to volatile organic compounds, will be upheld and maintained.
Take a step towards a healthier home, with Hedrick’s Service Now. Contact us, at (214) 509-6029, for your indoor air quality inspection and equipment installation.