01/06/2017
Did you know? Indoor air quality is worse in the winter.
Homes are built to be energy efficient, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. In winter months homeowners tightly seal insulation leaks that allow cold drafts into the home. This also seals the home from fresh air and raises the concentration of allergens and pollutants in the home.
Following are some of the most common sources of household pollutants:
POLLUTANT SOURCES IN THE HOME
-Combustion sources
-Building materials and furnishings
-Household cleaning and maintenance products, personal care products
-Hobby or home improvement activities
-Outdoor sources like radon, pollen and lead
-Pets
COMMON HOUSEHOLD POLLUTANTS
-Mold and mildew
-Pet dander
-Dust mites
-Biological pollutants
-Environmental to***co
-Formaldehyde
-Various VOCs
-Asbestos
-Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
-Lead
The EPA recommends three strategies to improve indoor air quality: source control, ventilation improvements, and air cleaners or purifiers.
FiltersAmerica offers the following tips based on the EPA's recommendations:
1. Clean Regularly - dusting with proper cleaning equipment like dust cloths and masks, and regular, frequent vacuuming go a long way in reducing airborne pollutants like mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
2. Replace Furnace Filters Frequently - with your heating unit running during the cold winter months, your furnace filter is working hard to keep your air clean. Ensure that airflow is not impeded so contaminants aren't being reissued into the air you breathe. Check your filters regularly and replace every three months, or as needed if the sources of pollution increase.