Most homes have closed doors and windows to keep the cold away during winter. Sealing the house makes it feel warm and cozy, but may also reduce the air quality since people are huddled together inside. When a home has compromised air, spending a lot of time in it results in health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to improve indoor air quality and ensure senior loved ones are breathing clean air.
Common Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Inadequate Ventilation
Most buildings remain sealed during winter to maintain indoor heat, limiting the amount of outdoor air entering the building. The same air is recirculated throughout the house, increasing the risk of contamination. The indoor air quality will gradually decrease since no fresh air is being supplied into the home.
Humidity
A home that is too dry or humid is uncomfortable to live in and impacts productivity. High humidity is an accelerant for mold growth, leading to health problems. Dryness wreaks havoc on the furniture, plants, and wood flooring and causes static electricity, which is a fire hazard.
Recurring Health Problems
Most homeowners underestimate the consequences of extended exposure to poor-quality air. Breathing such air has a slow effect but when left unresolved, the condition will worsen over time and may cause long term health problems such as COPD and asthma. Seniors with pre-existing breathing conditions may experience severe symptoms as a result.
Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Polk County
Improving Ventilation
A home should have a well-designed ventilation system to create a balance of gasses and ensure the indoor air does not contain too much carbon dioxide. Proper ventilation will provide a continuous exchange of indoor air with fresh, clean outdoor air. Ensure to use a ventilation system that does not impact the indoor temperature, since senior loved ones have a low tolerance to cold.
Air Purifiers
Air treatment helps to remove allergens and kill the bacteria and viruses in the air. An air purifier connected to the HVAC system ducts will clean the circulated air and reduce the spread of allergens within the household. Air purifiers are available in many home supplies stores in Polk County. They use a fan to suck in the indoor air and drive it through air filters to capture allergens. The clean air is then expelled and circulated throughout the house.
Reducing Humidity
Humidity often accumulates quickly from activities like bathing and cooking. In a home with high humidity, installing a dehumidifier will help control the humidity levels. Find a service company in Polk County to help with the dehumidifier installation. The dehumidifier draws in the indoor air via a fan into its coils. As the air moves through the machine, it contracts and leaves condensation. The released dry-cool air is then circulated within the house.
Cleaning the Ducts and Vents
Duct cleaning is mostly neglected during house maintenance and may impact indoor air quality with time. Obstructions in the ductwork or vents restrict airflow into the home, which is a cause for concern. Regularly check the ducts and vents in the house to identify and fix any issues present to ensure proper indoor air circulation. Most HVAC companies in Polk County offer duct cleaning services as part of their maintenance plan to enable system efficiency.
Find the Best Care for Seniors With Senior Helpers of Polk County
In most cases, problems arising from poor indoor quality can be solved with minor adjustments that address the cause of the poor air quality. A properly maintained home will significantly improve your home's indoor air quality. Good quality air will increase productivity, boost health and ensure comfortable living. Senior Helpers of Polk County provides in-home senior care services through highly qualified caregivers. We provide services in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer.