August 23, 2017
Running your air conditioner throughout the entire summer can help you stay cool, but over time the air in your home can feel a bit stale. That’s when you might decide to throw open the windows during a cooler evening to get some fresh air — although well-intentioned, you might actually be introducing some problems into your home.
Potential IAQ Issues During the Summer
When you open the windows in your house over the course of the summer, you’re allowing the following factors to affect your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ):
Excess Humidity
Warmer air is capable of holding onto more moisture. When you open the windows, not only is that air coming in, but it’s bringing lots of moisture along with it. Excess humidity can cause breathing difficulties, as well as simply making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable. If that humidity then condenses onto surfaces into your home, it can lead to damage and mold growth, further worsening IAQ.
Pollen
Pollen from grass and weeds is particularly high in the Lawton, OK area in the summer. So if you’re allergic, opening the windows can worsen symptoms.
Air Pollutants
Along with excess humidity and pollen, opening your windows during the summer can introduce other pollutants and contaminants. Especially if you live along a major road or close to a highway, or if your windows are near the garage or a driveway, that “fresh” air from the outside may actually be filled with harmful fumes.
Measures to Improve Indoor Air Quality
While it’s tempting to throw the windows open during the summer, it’s still possible to make the air feel fresh without subjecting your home to excess humidity, pollen, and other air contaminants.
If you’ve already had your windows open this summer and suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory health problems, duct cleaning and sanitizing will eliminate the further spread of pollutants throughout your home. Air filtration and UV germicidal lamps can stop persistent air quality problems. Finally, if your home is constantly humid, it’s best to control moisture with home performance solutions and a dehumidifier.
Pippin Brothers: Your Partner for a Healthier Home
At Pippin Brothers, we’ll help you find the right solution for your home’s indoor air quality concerns. With our expertise, you’ll be able to make your house healthier while easing asthma and allergy symptoms.
