Tips on Protecting Your Kids Against Poor Indoor Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in multiple reports, states that indoor spaces are up to five times more polluted than outdoor areas due to the concentration of indoor air pollutants. Babies and small children are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution because their immune systems are still developing. In today’s post, air conditioning and electric heater contractor Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. shares tips for protecting your kids against poor indoor air quality.
Manage relative indoor humidity. Ideally, relative indoor humidity levels should be about 45%. High humidity levels make the air feel heavy and can cause breathing difficulty in small children. Mold and bacteria also thrive in humid spaces, which can trigger asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. Conversely, low indoor humidity can cause nosebleeds and dry skin. To manage relative indoor humidity, use a hygrometer to keep an eye on humidity levels and run a humidifier or dehumidifier as appropriate.
Clean the air. There are three things you can do that can help purify the air, all without having to schedule an appointment with your radiant heating and air conditioning technician:
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Open the windows. You can flush out indoor air pollutants by opening the windows in your home regularly, for at least 15 minutes a day. For effective ventilation, open two windows — one venting stale air and the other pulling fresh air into the room.
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Run an air purifier. An air purifier or scrubber pulls in indoor air, filters it, then releases clean air. Most home air purifiers can detect the level of indoor air pollutants, which means you can leave it running in your kids’ rooms and not have to guess when to turn it on and off.
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Replace the HVAC air filter. The air filters in your HVAC system trap dust and other indoor air pollutants, and eventually get filled to capacity. Regularly inspecting and replacing them when needed can help keep indoor air clean.
Choose the right bedding for your baby. The right bedding will help keep your kids warm without exposing them to indoor air pollutants. When buying new mattresses, choose latex foam instead of fibrous materials. In addition, organic covers are less likely to have dust mites, especially when washed in hot water.
Call Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for All Your HVAC Needs
If you’d like to learn more about our services and furnace prices, call Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. at (715) 246-2660 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
