3 Indoor Air Quality Tips for Your Ohio Home
In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook something as crucial as the air we breathe in our own homes. Yet, indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a significant role in the comfort, health, and overall well-being of Ohio residents.
According to the 2024 EPA State of the Air Report, the Midwest region has seen improvements in air quality over recent years, with several cities showing reduced levels of pollutants. Efforts to mitigate industrial emissions and promote cleaner energy sources have contributed to this positive trend.
However, challenges persist in certain areas in Ohio and the Midwest region, particularly in cities with high traffic congestion and industrial activity.
3 Tips to Improve Your Home’s IAQ in Ohio
Carrier Ohio is here to cover the three most common IAQ concerns still facing homeowners throughout Ohio and provide practical solutions to ensure cleaner, healthier indoor air.
When you need a solution to improve your indoor air quality, search our trusted network of Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers.
1. Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in Ohio homes can stem from various factors. Outdated or improperly maintained HVAC systems can lead to insufficient airflow, trapping pollutants and moisture indoors. Inadequate insulation or sealing in older homes can restrict the exchange of indoor and outdoor air.
Ohio’s fluctuating weather patterns, characterized by high humidity in summers and bitter cold in winters, can worsen ventilation issues if ventilation systems aren’t properly designed to accommodate these changes.
Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as the use of gas appliances without proper exhaust fans or reliance on air conditioning without fresh air intake mechanisms can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Solution: Consider investing in mechanical ventilation systems such as exhaust fans, which help expel stale air and bring in fresh outdoor air. Opening your windows, especially during mild weather, can facilitate natural ventilation.
For a more comprehensive solution, our network of Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers can assess your home’s ventilation needs and recommend tailored solutions, such as a whole-house energy recovery ventilator (ERV), to ensure optimal air circulation year-round.
2. Indoor Allergens and Pollutants
Indoor allergens and pollutants play a significant role in compromising indoor air quality. Common sources include dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products like cleaners, paints, and air fresheners.
Poor ventilation intensifies the accumulation of these pollutants, particularly in tightly sealed homes where fresh air exchange is limited. Inadequate humidity control can foster mold and dust mite growth, further deteriorating air quality.
Long-term exposure to these allergens and pollutants can trigger respiratory issues, exacerbate allergies, and even contribute to the development or worsening of chronic health conditions like asthma.
Solution: Implementing effective air filtration systems is crucial in combating indoor allergens. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles, including allergens, ensuring cleaner air for your family.
Additionally, consider upgrading your HVAC system with advanced filtration technology, such as electrostatic filters or UV germicidal lamps, which can neutralize airborne pathogens and allergens, providing comprehensive protection against indoor pollutants.
3. Humidity Imbalance
The humidity imbalance in Ohio, with its muggy summers and dry winters, can significantly impact indoor air quality for residents.
In summer, high humidity levels can foster the growth of mold and mildew within homes, especially in poorly ventilated areas like basements and bathrooms. This can intensify respiratory issues and allergies among residents.
Conversely, during winter, indoor air tends to become excessively dry due to heating systems, leading to irritated respiratory passages and skin dryness.
Fluctuating humidity levels can cause wooden structures to warp and paint to peel, releasing additional pollutants into the indoor air.
Solution: Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent is essential for IAQ and overall comfort. Investing in a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier can help regulate humidity levels year-round, mitigating the risk of mold and mildew growth.
A Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer can install and calibrate these systems to ensure precise humidity control tailored to your home’s specific needs.
Breathe Easier, Ohio, With Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers
By addressing common IAQ issues such as poor ventilation, indoor allergens, and humidity imbalance, homeowners throughout Ohio can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for themselves and their families.
Carrier Ohio is here to connect homeowners with the top Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers, so you can breathe easier with comprehensive IAQ solutions. From ventilation assessments to advanced filtration systems and humidity control solutions, our network can help optimize your indoor air quality and enhance your overall well-being.
Don’t let indoor air quality issues compromise your comfort and health. Find a Dealer to take the first step towards a healthier home environment. Remember, your home’s air quality is too important to ignore. Take action today for a healthier tomorrow.