Summer in Texas is HOT! Which means, a lot of indoor play with air conditioning.
I read that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that some indoor air pollutants are harmful, and some are among the top five environmental health risks. Did you know that?!
You can view their three basic strategies for improving air quality in your home:
- Ventilation Improvement (making windows are sealed, etc)
- Air Cleaners (everything from making sure air ducts and vents are cleaned to purchasing an "air cleaner"
Have you purchased an "air cleaner"? What measures do you go through to insure that your home is free from excess air pollutants?
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Black mold is a serious threat in Texas. There was a story, about a year ago, about a family that lost their newly-built dream home to black mold. It's pretty nasty! We're constantly on the mold alert.
February 5, 2009 - 5:26pmThis Comment
To be honest with you I never asked myself this question... I always thought that outside air is more polluted that the inside air. Now that I think about it things are not like this and I think this depends a lot on the area we live in, it also depends on how good your are filters are. Pollution is not the only reason of concern here, black mold is a threat too...
February 5, 2009 - 10:38amThis Comment
I blogged on this topic some time back: My House Makes Me Sick: Indoor Air Quality Worse Than Outdoor.
We recently replaced our central heating/air conditioning system and the electrostatic filter. The filter helps trap and control airborne pollutants. We have also run an air filtration unit in one room or another and it was no noisier than running a good, quiet room fan.
My recommendation is to see if an air filter can be attached to your home's central air system, and use the separate room filter as a supplement, if need be.
August 14, 2008 - 4:49pmThis Comment
Thanks for this information! I suffer from awful seasonal allergies, and upon testing, found out that I am allergic to dust (and never thought about pollen being indoors...just outdoors...ha ha!).
Thanks again, and I'm going to look into the Honeywell HEPA purifier. One question: is it loud (my husband may object!)
August 14, 2008 - 2:48pmThis Comment
Some of the Honeywell air purifiers aren't too loud, in fact the one at Home Depot for about $150 is really quiet - it's called QuietClean. Definitely lives up to its name. On low speed it is almost silent! Another good thing is that it is Energy Star rated and has washable filters so cuts down on the cost of having to replace the filters. I've seen this same model at Target too.
August 16, 2008 - 2:38pmThis Comment
My daughter has allergies and we've used a Honeywell HEPA air purifier in her room for years and it has done a great job. We keep it running all night because that is when her body's natural defenses are down and she can't fight the allergens as easily as when she is awake. The air purifier does a great job of helping to reduce dust and pollen. I also use a HEPA unit in the basement to keep the air fresher. Since getting a unit for the basement, used along with a dehumidifier, I no longer have a mildew smell. I would highly recommend using an air purifier to help control indoor air pollution/allergens!
August 14, 2008 - 11:37amThis Comment