Monitoring the quality of the indoor air in your home is something that we may not often think about, but is essential for the health of you and your family. Homes and buildings are becoming more airtight and energy efficient, and people are spending up to 90% of their time indoors, making healthy indoor air quality very important. Air pollutants can be dangerous and many are undetectable by human senses.
Examples of Airborne Contaminates
- Carbon monoxide – Carbon monoxide is an odorless and invisible gas that can be lethal. Malfunctioning combustion appliances like furnaces and water heaters can leak carbon monoxide into your home.
- Radon – Radon is also invisible and enters your home through cracks in the foundation. Radon exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCS) – Volatile organic compounds can be found in everything from paints to cleaning products and even furniture. They are linked to many health problems like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
- Dust – Dust contains particles of many things that cause allergies, which affect up to 30% of the population.
- Rodents – Rodents can damage many things in your home, and they also carry hazardous allergens. These allergens can spread throughout your home via your duct system.
- Mold – Mold releases airborne spores that can cause everything from mild symptoms to severe allergy and health complications.
Your attic, basement, and crawl spaces have a big impact on indoor air quality. These areas can be a major source of allergens in your home if they are dirty and poorly maintained. Airborne particles like dust and pollen travel through gaps and cracks in your home. Insulating and air sealing will prevent air transfer and keep allergens from spreading throughout your home.
Making sure your home is properly ventilated is also important for indoor air quality. Air circulation is crucial in helping keep the air clean, and also helps with comfort and energy efficiency. One of the most important areas that should be properly ventilated is your attic. Attic ventilation helps keep the space cool in the summer, resulting in lower electric bills. In the winter, attic ventilation helps prevent condensation and the growth of mold and mildew.
So now you know that having a clean, ventilated, insulated, and air sealed attic is important for improving indoor air quality and reducing energy costs. If you think your home may benefit from any of these services, contact our professional team at Comfort 1st Insulation for a free consultation! Have a question about indoor air quality? Give Comfort 1st Insulation a call (833) 244-7283, email info@comfort1stinsulation.com or fill out our contact form. We’re certified and accredited professionals.