Poor indoor air quality in your Rogers, AR, home can affect your health. Here are four causes of indoor air pollution to be aware of, plus suggestions on how to avoid them.
1. Allergens
Allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust and organic growth can contaminate indoor air. An effective way to eliminate most of these allergens is by maintaining low humidity levels, avoiding the accumulation of dust and pollen. To keep allergens from accumulating, invest in a dehumidifier, vacuum your home regularly and and regularly changing your HVAC filter.
2. Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation prevents air from circulating through or escaping from your home, making indoor air musty and stuffy. Improve the ventilation throughout the house, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to improve your indoor air quality. Be sure to use kitchen vents to eliminate cooking steam and overhead vents in bathrooms to draw in moisture that remains in the air after you shower.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Some household items like cleaners, air fresheners and paints contain VOCs that pollute indoor air. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions and breathing issues, so shop for products without VOCs to improve your indoor air quality.
Use natural cleaners that don’t contaminate indoor air. Also, look for house plants that can help to absorb volatile organic compounds and purify your indoor air.
Avoid using paints containing harsh chemicals. These days, many leading brands offer no-VOC or low-VOC paints.
4. Cigarette Smoking
Tobacco smoke lands on your furniture and carpets and eventually pollutes your indoor air. When you or your household members inhale tobacco smoke, it can cause cancer or respiratory issues. Avoid smoking indoors, and make sure guests who smoke step outside when they want to do so.
If you encounter any of these contaminants, you need to hire an expert to check your indoor air quality. Contact our team at George’s Refrigeration & Heating for indoor air quality solutions and any other HVAC services you need for your home of business in Rogers, AR.
Image provided by iStock
