Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy…No, I’m not trying to name the Seven Dwarfs. I’m talking about what your IAQ (RSTUV – Don’t you love having another acronym to learn?) is doing to you. IAQ is Indoor Air Quality. Have you heard that the air outside your home is cleaner than that within? Well, I hate to tell you this, but it’s true.
It’s not your fault.
I’m not saying you’re a poor housekeeper; you just don’t have mother nature helping you keep your house clean and your air pure. Outside, the air is fresh mostly because of the sun. The sun provides ultraviolet rays that kill almost all natural pollutants. Inside our homes, the sun doesn’t shine and rain doesn’t fall, which means our indoor air quality doesn’t get the refreshment it needs to keep up healthy and protected from things like mold and other pollutants.
So, that leaves us to focus inside.
Some of the causes of poor IAQ include:
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Chemicals from fragrances, furniture or carpets
- Household cleaners,
- Smoking (the worst!)
Don’t give up!
You are not going to have a germ-free home, but there are some things you can do to make it healthier. Simple tasks include:
- Vacuuming
- Mopping floors
- Controlling humidity
- Keeping indoor plants
- Not smoking inside!
- Fresh air – opening windows
- Changing air filters on HVAC units
- Doormats
Construction and home improvements, as well as code changes and building materials, have made our homes tighter. While these changes may be great for reducing heating and cooling costs, they can also cause your indoor air quality to suffer. And, if your IAQ isn’t up to snuff in your home or office, you may be under the weather more than you want to be.
There are many things you can do yourself to improve and maintain healthy IAQ. There are also long-term solutions available, such as ductless systems, through your HVAC service provider that can help you manage the air quality in your home. In some cases, HVAC equipment can be installed in your ductwork, which can then work to maintain proper levels of humidity in your home or office, as well as remove particulates, and kill mold and germs.
If we can help in any way, please give us a call, 270.554.7171.