Outdoors, you have to deal with car exhaust, pollen and dust, but inside your home is a haven, right? The truth is that many Americans assume their indoor air is cleaner than it is. In reality, indoor air is as polluted as outdoor air because it has none of the natural ventilation of breezes or cleaning from rain. And when Americans spend most of their time indoors, indoor air pollution can have a big effect on health.
What Contributes to Poor Indoor Air?
Many things impact your indoor air quality. A few common causes of indoor pollution include:
- Chemical and aerosol cleaners, such as bleach and furniture polish respectively
- Natural household dust and pet dander
- Dirt and pollen tracked in from the outdoors
- Cooking odors and combustion residue from candles and malfunctioning appliances, such as gas furnaces or stoves
- Carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals from combustion appliances without proper ventilation
- Mold, mildew and bacteria from poor humidity management
What Can You Do to Manage Indoor Air Pollution?
There are many ways to manage air pollution in your Portland home. Following are strategies you can employ:
- Speak with your local HVAC professional about ventilation options for your home. Getting rid of the old air in your home and bringing in fresh air can do a lot to raise your air quality.
- Change the air filter once a month. A clogged filter lowers circulation through your home. A clean air filter, however, catches and removes particulate pollution from your home.
- Install an air cleaner. A consultation with a licensed contractor can help you decide what kind of air cleaner is best for your home. A UV light can sterilize your air, killing off mold and mildew spores. A HEPA filter can clean your home’s air, catching particles as small as viruses.
- Manage indoor humidity. High humidity contributes to mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria, while low humidity raises dust levels.
To learn more about handling indoor air pollution in your Portland home, contact the home comfort pros at Roth Heating & Cooling!
