Does Your Home Have Poor Air Quality?
It can be hard to nail down the causes behind poor air quality, but its effects are often obvious. Even if you don’t have an indoor air quality monitor, you’ll notice the signs: Poor air quality in your home can contribute to allergies, asthma attacks, or even dizziness and headaches. If you’ve ruled out other causes of these symptoms, your home’s air may be to blame. Here are five common factors that can lead to poor air quality in your home — and how to fix them.
Pets and Pet Dander
The Cause: It may be hard to believe that your beloved pets could do any wrong, but pet dander is actually one of the most common causes of poor air quality in homes. Pet dander isn’t something you can see. It’s made up of tiny dead skin particles from cats, dogs, and other furry and feathered friends. You’ll know it’s there if you get sneezy or sniffly around your pets or their bedding, or if you feel an itch in your nose or eyes.
The Fix: Even if you groom your pets regularly, dander is bound to happen. Cut back on its effects by vacuuming frequently with a vacuum made for homes with pets. Hard flooring doesn’t trap dander like carpet does, so opt for vinyl, hardwood or another hard floor material if you’re particularly sensitive to dander. An air purifier can also help remove allergens. Look for a true HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) for the most effective purification.
Outdoor Pollutants Sneaking In
The Cause: Spring flowers might be pretty, but their pollen can be a nuisance. If you can’t stop to smell the flowers without sneezing, pollen could be responsible for your air quality issues. When you leave your windows open, pollen can waft inside. Meanwhile, in the city, air pollution from cars and factories can sneak indoors too.
The Fix: Most local weather forecasts include pollen and air pollution forecasts. If it’s a high-pollen or high-smog day, keep your windows shut and run the air conditioner instead when it’s warm. Make sure your air filter is clean so any lingering pollutants get trapped.
Lowe’s carries a variety of air filters to address different problems, such as smoke, smog, pet dander and other allergens.
Smoking
The Cause: Smoking indoors leaves the lingering smell of smoke on your furniture, carpet and even hard surfaces like drywall. If you don’t smoke indoors, your clothing can still pick up smoke particles — even if you’re not the one smoking. Over time, exposure to smoke and smoky air can trigger asthma attacks and irritate allergies, as well as cause very serious conditions such as emphysema, lung disease and cancer.
The Fix: Never smoke indoors. If you smoke outside or you’ve been around smokers and notice the smell on your clothes, put them through the wash with a scoop of baking soda. If you frequently smoke outside, consider wearing the same jacket each time you go out and then hang it in the garage so it doesn't spread the smell throughout your home. Use an air purifier made for smoke to remove lingering smells and allergens.
Too Little or Too Much Humidity
The Cause: A warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria and dust mites, which can cause allergies, infections and itchiness when airborne. On the other end of the spectrum, overly dry air can cause an itchy throat and allergy flare-ups.
The Fix: Monitor your home’s humidity level with a hygrometer (a feature of some thermometers). If it’s too dry, which it often is in winter, use a humidifier. If it’s too humid, which is common in summer — and year-round in bathrooms and basements — then switch to a dehumidifier. You can also use an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Clean up any leaks or spills and hire a professional if you have a mold problem.
Using Cleaning Products
The Cause: The harsh chemicals that are present in many of the products we use to clean our home can actually negatively impact air quality. Some release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can make breathing difficult when they evaporate into the air.
The Fix: You can’t stop cleaning your house, but you can choose different cleaning products. Opt for a natural cleaner when possible or make your own mixes using allergy-friendly natural ingredients like baking soda and apple cider vinegar. If you have to use a heavy-duty cleaner, make sure you have proper ventilation or wear a respirator mask.