We all want to feel safe in our homes. Many of us have security systems, cameras, or whatever it takes to achieve the level of security we want.
Did you know an unseen assailant could be lurking in your home? Many of us don’t give the air inside of our homes a second thought. But since Americans spend about 90% of our time indoors at home or work, it’s very important to consider the air we’re breathing in when inside. Your indoor air may be as unhealthy as the air outside.
How is that possible?
The areas of suburban Illinois and Northwestern Indiana served by Merts Heating & Air Conditioning are densely populated urban areas. We have many mechanical sources contributing to the outdoor air pollution all around us. Cars, trucks, buses, trains, and factories are putting contaminants into the environment literally all day, every day. Eventually, whatever is outside makes its way indoors when doors are opened and closed or windows are up. Cracks and crevices due to poorly done or non-existent insulation also allow outdoor contaminants inside. There are also volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in carpets, certain upholsteries, and some beauty products that are in our homes all the time and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Some other indoor contaminants are pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
What this means is there are allergens affecting the indoor air we breathe all year round, and the indoor contaminants can be 10 to 100 times greater than what is found outdoors. The end result is indoor air needs help to be pure and healthy.
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY CAN DRASTICALLY AFFECT OVERALL HEALTH
There are several possible short-term health effects from constantly breathing polluted indoor air. A few of the most common are:
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Sore throats
- Headaches
There are also some possible serious side effects, that left unchecked could have long-lasting detrimental health effects, such as:
- Respiratory or heart diseases or issue
- Asthma attacks
- Neurological disorders
Constant exposure to poor indoor air magnifies the physical problems over time.
YOU CAN FIGHT BACK
Whether your home is in Steger, Matteson, Park Forest, Glenwood, or Lynwood, Illinois or in the Crown Point, Indiana area, you have options when deciding to improve your indoor air quality. Even simply opening the windows when the weather allows and you don’t live in an area plagued by constant outdoor pollution. This will let the old air out and fresh air in, lowering the concentration of indoor pollutants.
OTHER INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS
FILTRATION:
Another easy way to make sure your air is as pure as possible, is to regularly change or clean your HVAC filters. Consult your manufactures’ specifications to learn what is appropriate for your unit, or call the pros at Merts. Depending on the type of filter, the frequency is usually every 30 to 90 days. However, if you live in an area where dust or other outdoor contaminants are airborne or you have multiple pets, you should change the filters more often.
HVAC filters should be the highest quality available to maximize the amount of pollutants removed from the air and better purify your air. If you’re unsure about which filter is best for your heating and cooling system, Merts can answer any questions you may have.
Air Purifiers:
Filters are designed to trap particles ONLY, while air purifiers are able to kill some bacteria and viruses by using electrostatic technology, activated charcoal, or ultraviolet lights Unlike filters, air purification systems are also capable of removing odors from the air.
Merts is here to help
Don’t take chances with the health and safety of your family. Call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a no-obligation appointment with one of our qualified Comfort Specialists for a custom indoor air quality evaluation. He or she will provide comprehensive information about the indoor air quality improvement options available to you that can meet your needs and budget.
Phone:
Illinois Location:
3102 Louis Sherman Dr
Steger, IL 60475
Indiana Location:
528 Sheridan Street
Crown Point, IN 46307