According to the EPA, Americans already spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors. Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s likely even higher, and instead of heading out for work everyday, there’s a good chance you and your family are spending all day in your house.
That makes the need for healthy indoor air more important than ever this year. Here are some of the facts surrounding the indoor air quality, or IAQ, of your home, as well as steps you can take to help make your Woodland, Davis, Vacaville, Winters, or Farfield home safer for the people spending more time inside it.
Suffering from Allergy-Like Symptoms? It Might Not Be Allergies
One of the most difficult things about identifying unhealthy indoor air quality is that many of the common health symptoms you might experience could be confused for spring allergies, or even just a common cold or virus.
Have you experienced any of the following health issues recently while in your house?
- Headaches, dizziness, or nausea
- Fatigue
- Coughing and sneezing
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Increased asthma or allergy symptoms
They could be the result of unhealthy home air! Here are a few of the causes of poor IAQ:
Mold & Moisture
Mold is not only gross, but it can be dangerous to our health and safety, resulting in respiratory issues and worsening allergies. The fact is, many people live their lives day after day without even realizing that their homes are filled with hidden mold, most often when moisture is allowed to build up in basements and crawlspaces.
If left unaddressed, mold and moisture will only get worse with time, spreading throughout the home and leading to dirty attic insulation, musty smells, and health problems. In cold temperatures, moisture problems can even lead to structural damage to your home; water can leak in small crevices and cracks through your foundation, freeze, expand, and wreak havoc.
The Dangers of Your Garage
“Danger” may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of your garage, but think about what gets stored there: Chemicals, paints, fertilizers, and other toxic substances often live in the garage, many of which are capable of off-gassing and creating poor indoor air quality within the garage itself.
These issues can be multiplied when there is a lack of air sealing and insulation between a garage that’s connected to your home: these fumes making their way into your living space. Since many people store their vehicles in the garage, carbon monoxide (CO) is also a concern that should not go overlooked, as the gas can be harmful or even deadly depending on the severity of the exposure.
Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric Can Help Make Your Home Healthier and Safer
At Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric, we believe that few things matter more than the quality of the air you and your family breathe.
Our team of home insulation contractors can help to improve indoor air quality in your home in a number of ways, including:
- Upgrading your insulation
- Air sealing
- Duct cleaning and duct sealing
Not sure where to get started? A home energy audit is a great place to start, in place of the limited information you would get form indoor air quality testing. Not only does an audit check for potential indoor air quality issues, but it will also uncover the issues behind high energy bills and low comfort in your home.
Protecting the exterior of your home from heat transfer and air movement, as well as properly ventilating, will solve many homeowners’ air quality problems, and these home improvements can even qualify for local and federal rebates, tax credits, and financing, so reach out today to find out how our whole home experts can help you.
Don’t let your family breathe toxic air—improve your indoor air quality with Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment with our trusted team.
