With energy costs rising, energy efficient windows and doors seal off outside air, which helps to hold in heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Conversely, however, these same energy efficient windows and doors that help to lower energy costs may also be contributing to making your home a toxic environment. Here are three ways your energy efficient home may be affecting your health.
Impurities in Your HVAC System
HVAC systems work by pulling air from the outdoors, heating or cooling it and then spreading it through the indoors. While theoretically, this means your HVAC system should be pulling in fresh, clean air, the reality is that there are more and more pollutants in urban environments. Thankfully, your HVAC system most likely contains a filtration system that filters out impurities before spreading air throughout your home. Unfortunately, many people do not have regular proper maintenance performed on their HVAC systems, which means that in many cases filters get so clogged that they can no longer do the work of filtering out impurities. If you can’t remember the last time you had your air systems checked, call a local HVAC service to schedule an inspection.
Humidity Creates Mold and Mildew
In the old days, homeowners in cold climates used to crack open a window to let out condensation that naturally builds up from showers, dishwashers, washing machines and other sources of indoor heated water. Now, however, in an effort to conserve energy, doors, and windows remain tightly sealed and closed. This can, unfortunately, lead to the formation of mildew which can, over time, become toxic mold. Dehumidifiers work to eliminate excess moisture from the air without exposing your home to frigid outdoor temperatures.
Indoor Toxins
While the United States is developing stricter and stricter regulations around the types of chemicals that can be used in common household items like carpeting, couches, linens, and paint, a thriving online marketplace sometimes thwarts these attempts. Goods purchased via the internet are not always subject to the same regulations as goods purchased at a physical store in the US. While you may not be aware of it, the area rug that you got such an amazing deal on in a digital marketplace may actually be loaded with chemicals that have the potential to turn your home into a toxic environment. A good air filtration system, however, can significantly minimize this risk.
While you may not be aware of all of the many toxic risks you can be exposed to in your own home, the good news is that modern HVAC systems can mitigate many of them. From filtration systems that cleanse outside air to built-in dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air to air filtration systems that keep indoor toxins from circulating, today’s HVAC systems can turn your potentially toxic home into a toxin-free paradise.