How Healthy Is the Air in Your Home?

Posted: February 22, 2016

Posted: February 22, 2016
Posted by: Gerald Kuller, Home Comfort Manager

A national survey* revealed some interesting findings about a topic everyone should be thinking about—the air that we breathe inside our own homes! Nearly half of the homeowners who participated in the survey felt that indoor air quality (IAQ) is as important as home energy efficiency.

The survey revealed that the biggest IAQ concerns ae about dust – 75% of respondents identified excessive dust as a problem in their home. Besides dust, other IAQ issues that concerned homeowners were airborne allergens (68%), viruses/bacteria (67%) and mold/mildew (62%).

In most cases, these problems can be traced to leaky ductwork.

Leaky ductwork can be identified when you ask us to do a Home Performance Evaluation. Afterward, we can solve this issue by performing a professional duct sealing, which we do with an innovative, proven method called Aeroseal. (Look for more details about this soon on our website.)

Of course, there are many other issues that contribute to poor IAQ. Here are just three other examples:

1. Pets. Nearly 84 million U.S. households have a dog or a cat. Although pets make great companions, their dander is a leading cause of allergic reactions. Dander is a combination of dried saliva and skin flakes that pets shed. If you have a pet, an air cleaning system is a must-have.
2. Tobacco smoke. Because it contains more than 4,000 chemicals, tobacco smoke is a major cause for polluted indoor air. Don’t let anyone smoke in your home!
3. Carpets. If any of your carpets has been damaged by water, remove it to stop mold and bacteria from breeding. If you install new carpets, ventilate your home thoroughly. New carpets can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). High VOC levels have also been found in products like aerosol sprays, scented candles and air fresheners.

It’s important to note that air cleaning and air purification systems can vastly improve indoor air quality problems in your home. Click here to read more about indoor air quality and then contact us if you have concerns or would like to schedule a Home Performance Evaluation.

*Decision Analyst, 2013 American Home Comfort Study