There’s nothing like the onset of spring. Throwing the windows open and letting the fresh air in just lifts the spirits, doesn’t it? As the cold weather blows in, we’re closing those windows and losing that freshness. Did you know closing the windows does more than just block out the cold?
It holds the contaminants in — up to two to five times more pollutants than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And where do you spend most of your time in the winter? Likely indoors.
Pollutants such as chemicals, gases and even living organisms, like mold and pests, can contaminate the air in our homes. These pollutants put us at risk for a variety of health problems including allergies, headaches, cancer and respiratory issues, and can be especially harmful to children, the elderly and those with existing health problems. Certain pollutants at high concentrations can even cause death.
Radon, secondhand smoke, combustion pollutants, volatile organic compounds and mold are some of the dangers found in homes. Radon is a gas formed in the soil and can enter homes through cracks and doors and walls near the ground. Secondhand smoke comes from, of course, burning tobacco products. Combustion pollutants come from burning materials in fuel-burning appliances that are improperly vented. Volatile organic compounds come from cleaning supplies, paint strippers, pesticides and other chemicals used around your home; even air fresheners and dry-cleaned clothing can release these. Molds — the dreaded word no one wants to hear — are living organisms that produce spores, which when released into the air, land on surfaces and grow. Gross.
The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to improve the quality of your air when you close the windows this winter. The most obvious is to control the sources of the pollution. Don’t smoke indoors. Avoid using strong chemicals when you can’t air out your home. Vent appliances properly, and control sources of mold. Keeping your humidity at a low- to mid-range helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
You have many options for improving the quality of the air you breathe, as well, but so many options can be overwhelming emotionally and financially. Where do you start? Pride Air Conditioning and Heating can help with our Air Scrubber Plus Activepure Technology.
This unique whole-house product removes up to 99 percent of the contaminants in your home and ensures that surfaces and air ducts are cleaner and safer for your family. And for a limited time, we’re offering an Indoor Air Quality Special which includes the Air Scrubber Pro, an Aprilaire high-efficiency air filter, an Aprilaire humidifier, coil and blower cleaner, plus a free Nexia WIFI thermostat (a $925 value alone), all for $3,200. Contact us today to get in on this money-saving special and take your family’s health into your own hands.