As a homeowner in Melbourne, Florida, you might not worry too much about the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Most people believe that the air in their home is clean and healthy Unfortunately, your air quality might not be as safe as you believe. Pay attention to these five factors that can affect your indoor air quality and know what to do to fix these issues.
Humidity Level
It doesn’t matter where you live in Florida, humidity is unavoidable. Certain areas in the state may only experience excessive humidity levels in the summer, while other Florida cities might experience it constantly. It’s important to manage those humidity levels. Indoor humidity can occur due to several factors, including water leaks, moisture seeping in through crawlspaces, or moisture trapped in the air that comes in from outside.
Since the ideal relative humidity range for indoor spaces is between 40 and 50%, if your humidity level is higher than 50%, you could experience biological growth. This could cause shortness of breath, lung irritation, and respiratory distress. Purchase a dehumidifier to combat this issue. Conversely, if your humidity levels dip below 30%, you could experience skin irritation, throat soreness, and dry eyes. To remedy this, invest in a humidifier to add moisture.
Poor Ventilation
Having a home with poor ventilation can cause polluted air to recirculate throughout the house. A poorly ventilated home can lead to pollen and dust buildup, causing health problems, particularly to those who suffer from allergies or asthma. It’s important to introduce fresh air into your home, so if the weather allows, consider opening your windows and doors. You can also easily fix this issue by installing a new ventilation system in your home.
Pets
Yes, these creatures are members of the family and can significantly improve your quality of life. However, they can also damage the IAQ of your home. Dogs shed fur and dander as well as roll in smelly areas of your yard. Cats shed their fur and can cause allergic reactions. You can certainly enjoy the company of your four-legged friends without suffering ill effects by making sure to change out your air filters each month to increase your home’s air quality.
Dust
When you don’t dust often, the particles can accumulate and affect your IAQ. Dust can consist of many items, including dead skin cells, pollen, hair, dirt particles, and clothing fibers. It’s a particular nuisance for people who deal with allergies and asthma.
Other than dusting regularly, you can also use microfiber cloths to trap the dust rather than feather dusters that just kick up the dust so it can land on surfaces again. Make sure you vacuum carpets, baseboards, rugs, and furniture regularly. Air cleaners circulate the air through a fine mesh and then trap the particles. Make sure you schedule annual duct cleanings to help get rid of airborne particle buildup.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new flooring or paint as well as countless other household products can contribute to poor IAQ. While having some amount of VOCs in your home is inevitable, a larger amount can cause health issues such as fatigue, allergies, and nausea. To keep everyone safe from VOCs, look for products labeled VOC-free and make sure you have adequate ventilation when using products that release these harmful contaminants. When possible, use products such as paints and adhesives outside and be sure to seal up any products that emit VOCs. If you can, store such products in the garage, a toolshed, or external storage closets
Having fresh, clean air to breathe inside your Melbourne, Florida, home is important, and these are just five factors that might affect your IAQ. It’s also important to maintain your heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) system. At Extreme Air & Electric, LLC, we offer plenty of solutions to reduce airborne toxins, particles, germs, and other pollutants. For help with improving your home’s air quality, call us to schedule an appointment today.
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