Is Your Home’s Air Harming Your Health?

When we think about the air we breathe, we often imagine wide-open spaces outdoors. However, people spend around 90% of their time indoors, so we should be picturing taking deep breaths at home.

Most would say they felt the same freshness in their homes as wide open spaces. But, what if we told you the air inside your Eagle home could be harmful—and more so—than the air outside?

Knowing this, improving the air quality in your Idaho home is more critical than ever. Unfortunately, many of us overlook the potential hazards lurking within our own walls.

The professionals at Western Heating & Air Conditioning’s suggest considering the following three factors that might impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) and what you can do to improve it overall. 

Indoor Air Pollutants: The Invisible Threats

Your home’s air can be contaminated by a variety of pollutants, some of which are invisible to the naked eye. Common indoor air pollutants include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen. These particles can trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially in those with preexisting conditions or compromised immune systems.

But it’s not just allergens that are cause for concern. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals found in household products like paints, cleaners, and even furniture, can release toxic fumes into the air. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to headaches, dizziness, and long-term health issues such as liver and kidney damage.

The Impact of Poor Ventilation

Another significant factor affecting indoor air quality is ventilation—or the lack thereof. Modern homes in Eagle are built to be energy-efficient and tested to ensure there are no air leaks, which keeps heating and cooling costs down but can trap pollutants inside. Poor ventilation allows these harmful substances to accumulate, leading to higher concentrations of toxins in the air.

Additionally, high outdoor pollution can affect indoor air quality. Leaving windows and doors open when the weather is nice enough but air quality is poor around Eagle can inadvertently introduce more contaminants inside, complicating the problem and creating a potentially hazardous indoor environment.

Wildfires: A Growing IAQ Concern

In recent years, wildfires have become a significant concern for many Idahoans. Wildfire smoke contains a mix of gases and fine particles that can penetrate homes and linger in the air long after the flames have been extinguished. Breathing in these particles can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbate asthma, and even lead to more severe conditions like bronchitis or heart disease.

The problem with wildfire smoke is that it’s not just an outdoor issue. Once it enters your home, it can settle into carpets, furniture, and other surfaces, continuing to affect indoor air quality even after the smoke outside has cleared.

Ways To Keep Your Home Safe During or After Wildfires

1. Seal Your Home: Ensure doors, windows, and other potential entry points are tightly sealed to prevent smoke from infiltrating your home. Keep your windows and doors shut as much as possible. If you need fresh air, try to ventilate your home when outdoor air quality is at its best in Eagle, such as in the early morning.
   
   
2. Use an Air Purifier: Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter. These devices can capture fine particles in the air, including those from wildfire smoke, significantly improving your indoor air quality.
   
   
3. Replace Filters Regularly: Whether it’s the filter in your HVAC system, air purifier, or even your vacuum cleaner, keeping these filters clean and replacing them regularly will help maintain good air quality.
   
   
4. Clean Air Ducts: Hire a Western Heating & Air Conditioning authorized dealer at least once a year to clean your air ducts to remove built-up dust and debris and improve your indoor air. 
   
   
5. Set Your HVAC System to “Recirculate Mode”: If your HVAC system has this capacity, Western Heating & Air Conditioning suggests setting it to recirculate the indoor air. This prevents your system from circulating polluted outdoor air throughout your Eagle home. 
   
   
6. Use Fans to Stay Cool: Fans are another way to circulate indoor air and stay cool without compromising air quality. Take advantage of fans during peak wildfire season. 
   
   
7. Limit Activities That Can Worsen Indoor Air: Avoid activities that can further pollute indoor air, such as burning candles, using a fireplace, or even cooking with a gas stove without proper ventilation.

We Can Help

Keeping your home’s air clean and safe requires vigilance and action, especially in the occasionally challenging environment in Eagle. By understanding the risks and taking steps to minimize them, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

Don’t let the air inside your home be an afterthought—it plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Western Heating & Air Conditioning’s technicians are here to help maintain your HVAC system and keep your indoor air clean. From maintenance and duct cleaning to installing products designed to clean and purify your air, Western Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can be your first line of defense against poor air quality.

Get in touch at 208-319-1736 or ask for a free estimate online and start enjoying improved indoor air quality.