October is National Home Indoor Air Quality Action and Awareness Month, which means you should take a moment to consider some very important questions this month: how is the air quality in your home? Does it pose a threat to your comfort or, more importantly, your health? Could it be improved?
What Could Be Harming Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality?
Maintaining good indoor air quality is extremely important. If the air quality in your home is not at its peak, it can negatively impact the health of you and your family. While we can’t list every single little one, there are numerous things that could make maintaining good air quality in your home a challenge. Some of the most common sources of problems we see with indoor air quality here in Florida are:
- mold and mildew
- pet hair and dander
- tobacco smoke
- pollen
- dust
- radon
- remodeling contaminants
- lead particles
Indoor Air Quality and Asthma
People with asthma are especially susceptible to suffering health issues due to poor air quality. Contaminants such as mold, pet hair and dander, smoke, pollen, and dust are all extremely common triggers for asthma attacks. If you or someone in your family have asthma, maintaining good indoor air quality should be a top priority. A reputable HVAC company can be a great asset in reducing and preventing asthma triggers. Not only can an HVAC expert keep your system clean and in good condition, they can recommend ways to improve your indoor air quality and provide helpful information and tips. If the air quality in your home is aggravating you or a loved one’s asthma, just taking a few extra precautions and maintaining HVAC upkeep can make a world of difference.
Remodeling Precautions
There are so many things to think about when you’re planning to remodel your home, but it’s very important that you don’t let your home’s indoor air quality fall to the wayside. Older homes may contain lead paint, which can be exposed and even become airborne during remodeling work. Opening walls in your home can release hidden mold, which is a common problem in the humid Floridian climate. Asbestos can be another serious hazard to arise during remodeling, and can be present in anything from insulation to floor coverings—and even some cements and spackling compounds. Even regular dust that’s produced and spread during demolition can pose a problem and potential health threat.
You may choose to temporarily stay outside of your home during major construction and demolition. Make sure proper ventilation is practiced during all stages of your remodel, and if you can seal off the remodeling zone from the rest of your home, all the better.
Another thing to think about is what may be contained in the new materials that are being used in your home. Paints, carpets, adhesives, and coatings can all contain chemicals that aren’t healthy for you to breathe. It helps to choose materials that are manufactured to have Low Volatile Organic Compounds and low emissions, properly air out new materials, and keep your home very well ventilated.
Going the extra mile may not be as easy, but it’s well worth it when the results give you a safe and healthy home for your family.
If you’re concerned about the air quality in your Florida home and want to find ways to improve it, don’t hesitate to contact us at Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric. We’ll be happy to help you with any of your home comfort concerns!
