Air Quality Control
by Candice Mancini
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Did you know that air pollution inside the home is often two to five times higher (and occasionally one-hundred times higher) than outdoor pollution levels? Don't panic! A good air-quality contractor can help you clean up.
Pets to Remodels: The Many Threats to Indoor Air
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is among the top five environmental risks to public health. Just think about what is closed into your home, especially during the long winters. Do you have pets? Any illnesses floating around? Have you recently remodeled your home? If you could magnify your indoor air, you might not like it.
The Culprits
While air quality varies from home to home, it's safe to say that all homes carry some level of air pollution. Common indoor pollutants include:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Chemicals
- Air-born viruses
- Bacteria
- Cigarette smoke
Cleaning Contractors
An air-quality contractor can help you select the right air-cleaning products for your home. Whole house air cleaners reduce any of the air pollutants listed above. Your contractor can help you to determine which of these are invading your home. Other products that improve and evaluate your home's air include professionally-installed humidifiers, dehumidifiers, thermostats, ultraviolet lamps, and carbon monoxide monitors.
About the Author
Candice Mancini is a writer, a teacher, and a homeowner always on the lookout for a good contractor. She has an M.A. in Education and B.A. in English and history.
|