5 Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in Spring in Arcadia, FL

Breathing clean air in your home is vital to your health and comfort. However, your home can take in and harbor many pollutants that could affect your indoor air quality (IAQ). Here are five common sources of indoor air pollution in Arcadia, FL, to be aware of during spring:

Pollen

Pollen is the number one allergen during the springtime. As you begin to open your windows after a long winter and invite the fresh air inside, pollen will most certainly make its way inside. Proper ventilation is crucial to protect your home from pollen during spring.

Other strategies that you can use to prevent pollen from becoming a serious contaminant include keeping your windows closed or vacuuming regularly. If you notice that your space has become dusty or might have pollen in it, dusting with a damp rag will help pick up these contaminants.

Biological Contaminants

Biological contaminants can wreak havoc on those with asthma or allergies. For the most part, you can have these contaminants under control. For example, you might keep confined areas that are frequently moist, like your bathroom, well-ventilated and quite clean.

But did you know that other biological contaminants could make a surprise appearance in spring? As the temperature heats up and humidity increases, you may see biological contaminants in areas around your home that are typically closed off and subject to moisture. Maintain a vigilant eye as the seasons change to prevent biological contaminants from becoming a threat to your health and wellness.

Dust

Dust tends to build up throughout the winter months. It’ll often go undisturbed for an extended period, typically until spring rolls around.

As your household springs back to life and you engage in certain activities like spring cleaning, you may start to dust. This means the dust will start to affect your indoor air quality. Getting rid of this dust each spring will be instrumental in eliminating triggers and reducing allergic reactions.

With that in mind, it’s also worth mentioning that dust can hide inside places you don’t often see, such as your HVAC system’s air filter or your air ducts. Changing out these filters every 60 to 90 days and reaching out to a professional to clean your air ducts every three to five years will help ensure that this dust isn’t contributing to your symptoms.

Dryer Lint

Dryer lint isn’t just an issue during spring. However, it is something that you’ll want to focus on while you’re going about your regularly scheduled spring cleaning activities.

Dryer lint can contribute to overall indoor air pollution, especially if it has built up either in your machine or in your vents. Take care to empty your dryer lint trap regularly to avoid introducing more chemicals and dirt into your environment. If you worry that there may be a buildup of dryer lint in your vents, you can always get expert support in the form of dryer vent cleaning.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exist in many cleaning products, paints and furnishings. Because spring is usually a time when you’re getting your home in order, it’s easy to introduce VOCs to your indoor air. This can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate your symptoms.

When you shop for cleaning products, try to double-check the ingredients to keep VOCs out of your home and indoor air. There are plenty of greener options to help you keep your space clean without negatively impacting your overall health.

Indoor air pollution is a serious concern for those who come inside seeking refuge from allergens present outdoors in the spring. However, you don’t have to let your indoor environment become a hazard to your comfort. If you want to prevent indoor air pollution from becoming a problem, reach out to Miller’s Central Air, Inc. to take advantage of our IAQ services today.

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