Spring IAQ Issues That Can Make Your Family Sick

In Springfield, Virginia, springtime means colorful blooms, fresh air, and spring cleaning. For many homeowners, however, this season is also prime time for indoor air quality problems. From household cleaners to pollen to mold, learn which springtime indoor air quality problems can make your family sick, and find out what you can do about them.

Household Cleaners

If you have a lengthy spring cleaning checklist to tackle, you might be tempted to use the strongest household cleaning products you can find and get the job done quickly. Most commercial cleaning products are harsher than you might think, though.

They also linger in the air thanks to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they release. Avoid the eye, nose, and throat irritation that VOCs cause, and use natural cleaners instead, such as white vinegar and baking soda.

Pollen

Throwing open your windows might deliver a breath of fresh air, but doing this also lets pollen indoors. If you can’t keep the pollen out, or if your kids or pets continually track pollen indoors, you need a smart solution.

At Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend installing an air purifier that’s designed to work with your HVAC system. These devices trap microscopic particles before they enter your HVAC system, keeping your home’s air supply clean and your family sneeze-free.

Indoor Mold

Spring often brings high humidity to Springfield, and the excess moisture in the air can cause mold to grow indoors. If you spot mold growing in the bathroom, basement, or any other wet or humid areas of your home, check your air conditioner’s humidity level to ensure that the relative humidity level is set between 30 and 50 percent.

If your HVAC system can’t maintain a healthy humidity level in your home, give it a boost with a whole-home dehumidifier. These devices pull humidity from the air, which reduces the chance of mold growth, keeps your family healthy, and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Struggling to improve your home’s indoor air quality? Call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about our IAQ solutions: 703-783-0145.

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