Do you breathe easily outside but have problems doing so at home? Maybe you struggle with allergies or other symptoms and notice dust around your house in North Charleston, SC. Learn about five bad habits that worsen your indoor air quality (IAQ) so you can avoid or break them to breathe easier.
Using Certain Chemicals
You may not think twice about the cleaning products you use around your home, but some contain harsh chemicals that can lead to bad IAQ. It’s not just cleaning products, either. Certain types of paint produce fumes that affect your air quality. Look for products that don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Not Ventilating
Ventilating your home is as easy as opening the windows a few hours every day, weather permitting. Air becomes stagnant when it’s old, which leads to foul odors and poor IAQ. You can also use ceiling or box fans to keep air circulating.
Ignoring Your Air Filter
You may know you should change your air filter but don’t realize this is something you should do every one to three months. A dirty air filter doesn’t stop dust and other particles getting inside your home, which can make it hard to breathe. Dirty filters can also cause damage that requires air conditioning repairs.
Living With High Humidity
Excess humidity makes your IAQ worse because it promotes the growth and spread of bacteria. It can also corrode furniture and other metal objects, allowing rust to flake off and move around your home. Every time you breathe, you inhale some of those flakes and bacteria.
Smoking
Letting anyone smoke in your home lowers your IAQ. You also need to deal with the buildup on your walls and the bad odor left behind. Any type of smoking in your living space is a bad habit that affects your indoor air.
Breaking your bad IAQ habits is easier when you have the right solutions and products on hand, such as air purifiers and filtration systems. Learn about these products and other indoor air quality solutions by reaching out to Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning.
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