We LOVE February because it brings chocolates, roses, sentimental Valentine's cards and candlelit dinners. In this flurry of romance, let’s not
forget that it is also American Heart Month. The Energy Experts might not be
able to make any romantic suggestions for Valentine’s Day, but they do have
some important information about Indoor Air Quality and keeping your heart healthy.
Heart Health and Air
Pollution
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in
the United States for both men and women. Most of us are aware of the exercise
and dietary guidelines for heart health, but a less publicized danger is air
pollution. Surprisingly, air pollution is often far worse indoors
than outdoors. This problem is further compounded by the fact that the average American spends nearly 90% of their time indoors. Obviously, none of us can
single-handedly stop air pollution, but each of us can take steps to improve
the Indoor Air Quality in our homes.
Take Heart by Improving
Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
- Ventilation: Is it a surprise that the air inside our homes can be up to five times as polluted as the air outdoors? Lack of ventilation keeps polluted air trapped inside your home if there isn’t adequate ventilation. Circulate air by opening a window; using window or attic fans; and running the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Control Humidity: Moist conditions are ideal for mildew, mold growth and dust mites. Keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Monitor levels with a humidity gauge. Humidity can be increased when cooking and showering. Lower the humidity by simply opening a window, as long as it is drier outside. Otherwise, use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers or air conditioners in the summer.
- Weatherization: Most homeowners are energy aware due to the costs of energy. Yet in their efforts to conserve energy, some homeowners end up with homes that are too tightly sealed. Again, this lack of ventilation keeps polluted air trapped inside. Have an energy professional test your home’s air exchange rates and compare it to recommended levels.
- Radon Testing: According to the E.P.A. radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring, odor-less radioactive gas that enters homes via cracks in the foundation floor, walls and drains. Nearly 1 in every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have highly elevated radon levels. Testing and remediation are not necessarily expensive. Play it safe and have your home tested for radon today.
- Minimize Household Pollutants: Unfortunately, a lot of consumer goods generate pollution. This includes cleaning products, pesticides, house paint plus off-gassing from furniture, carpets, cabinetry and flooring. When making purchases for your home, look for non-toxic and low-VOC products. And don’t even think about smoking indoors. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a major indoor air pollutant.
- Combustion Pollutants: Furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and fuel burning stoves that use gas, oil, wood, coal or other fuels can emit odorless carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide gases. Have combustion appliances installed and maintained by professionals. Also, be sure to install a CO monitor in your home.
- Green It Up: NASA has one word for us – houseplants! NASA spent years testing air filtration in space facilities and discovered that houseplants actually purify the air by filtering out common VOCs. Add some plants to you home and improve your Indoor Air Quality with a splash of color. NASA particularly recommends the air filtering abilities of the following houseplants: Aloe Vera; Spider Plant; Gerber Daisy; Snake plant; Chrysanthemum; Dracaena; and Chinese Evergreen amongst others.
For further information on Indoor Air Quality, see these articles from Pro Energy Consultants:
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