3 Ways to Maintain Your Indoor Air Quality This Winter
It’s no secret that the air in our homes gets stale, dry & stuffy during the winter months. And depending where you live, it’s very possible you will spend the next few months staying inside and your home won’t feel a fresh breeze until early spring.
The good news for you is there are a few ways to stay on top of your home health (and it’s pretty simple, too!)
Today we are sharing 3 ways to keep the air in your home fresh to help keep you and your family healthy this season!
Stay Current with HVAC Maintenance and Regular Filter Replacement
If you are a frequent follower of PunchListUSA, you know we stress about the importance of maintaining your heating and cooling systems.
Routine HVAC maintenance will keep the air quality in your home safe and clean while ensuring your system’s operation is efficient. When you have a qualified HVAC technician change or clean your air filters regularly, it will minimize the level of dust and contaminants in your home’s indoor air.
(Psst: Check out why you should service your HVAC before winter kicks off!)
Pollutants from Heat Sources
Many people use a supplemental heating source to keep their families warm during colder months such as a wood stove or fireplace. While these can throw out a good amount of heat, they also generate indoor air pollutants that can cause health problems – yikes!
Wood stoves and fireplaces create pollutants as a result of combustion, including some gaseous pollutants. These can be harmful if inhaled, according to the EPA. Proper ventilation and maintenance can minimize these pollutants by venting them outside the house, but probably can not eliminate them entirely.
If you would like to learn more about the importance of chimney cleaning, click here!
Locate and remove sources of indoor air pollution
Many of our PunchListUSA Pros notice that older home systems play a significant role when it comes to poor air quality – especially during the winter months.
According to the NIH, we are exposed to asbestos at some time during our life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from exposure but become ill from being exposed on a regular basis
It’s possible asbestos can be in your home. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.
If you suspect your home contains asbestos in the walls or ceilings, have it removed or sealed off.
In addition, aging water heaters and/or other home systems need regular maintenance to prevent things like gas emissions and leaks. Make repairs or replace them, when necessary.
An ounce of prevention…
It’s important to keep up with your home maintenance throughout the year to avoid any disruptions. Although it can be an added expense, it will cost you a lot of money down the road one way or another.
Curious about a home repair cost? Get an estimate from PunchListUSA today!
