The Air Quality in Your Home

There are many places where air pollution can be generated in the home. Of course people are aware of high-profile pollutants like a radon, but there are a number of other pollutants that are generated within the home. Some of these can actually be found at a level higher than those outside.  Typically, one of the major offenders is carbon dioxide in the sources for these include invented combustion and even human respiration.

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide can come from a variety of places that include gas stoves, fireplaces, cigarettes, and even furnaces.  It's even possible that formaldehyde can be found in your house, and this can come from something as seemingly innocuous as new furniture. Ways of measuring this air pollution in your house have been developed, but in many cases they involve expensive equipment and technical expertise. Still, there are several things that the average homeowner can do to reduce the levels of airborne pollution inside their homes, and the first of these is to make sure that there is a normal air exchange between the inside and outside.

The more air exchanges there are inside and outside of your home, the more often indoor pollutants are diluted. The more tightly closed off a home is to outside air, the higher the pollution levels will be inside. Where this kind of air exchange is not feasible due to weather conditions or other factors, it is necessary for the homeowner to take another course of action.

Here they should strive to eliminate all the obvious sources of pollution such as unvented combustible appliances were possible.  For example, a yellow flame in your gas furnace may indicate insufficient air for combustion and this in turn could cause an increase in carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. One possible inexpensive solution to this problem is to attach a combustion air duct from the outside to the appliance.  This helps ensure safe combustion as well as minimizing the use of inside heated air.

High levels of carbon dioxide usually indicate that the ventilation systems are not delivering enough fresh air. This in turn could affect people's health inside the house. Some of the symptoms may include dizziness and headaches.  One of the easy solutions to this problem is to try running several fans at night, or leaving bedroom doors open to let the fans blow the air out into the hallway.  Another good suggestion is to make sure there is about a quarter inch gap between all interior doors and the floor.

If none of this works out more drastic measures might need to be taken.  As a last resort you should consider having a mechanical ventilation system installed by a contractor.  As well, if you suspect your furnace is leaking combustible byproducts, call a professional immediately so that the appliance can be tested. Finally, if you still smell or suspect a harmful gas is in your home, call a professional immediately.