A well-insulated and properly sealed home is a two-edged sword. Although it allows your HVAC system to work most efficiently, which saves money on your utility bills, it also compromises indoor air quality. When you think of air pollution, your thoughts may conjure images of automobile exhaust and smoking factories. Surprisingly, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The first step toward improving indoor air quality starts with identifying common contributors. Some contaminants are biological, from living sources, and some are chemical. Either source can contain pollutants that are particles or gases.

Some common biological offenders include:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Molds

Some chemical offenders consist of:

• Cigarette smoke
• Carbon monoxide gas
• Radon gas
• Formaldehyde
• Pesticides

To manage indoor pollution and improve your home's indoor air quality, check out the following solutions:

1. Install a carbon-monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, which makes it impossible to detect without a monitor. And it is a potentially deadly health hazard, if left unchecked.
2. Replace your scented products for unscented ones, including soaps, shampoos, household cleaners and personal products.
3. Use bleach sparingly to reduce noxious fumes.
4. Consider installing an air-purification system. Particulate and gaseous matter must be removed by different means, and air-purification systems often combine technologies to target several classes of contaminants. Look for one that is tailored to your needs.
5. Favor spritz dispensers instead of aerosol containers for spray products.
6. Turn on exhaust fans in kitchens when cooking, and in bathrooms when using soaps and sprays.
7. Have your HVAC system inspected every year to ensure there are no leaks that could allow combustion fumes (including carbon monoxide) to backdraft inside your home.

Since 1959, JonLe Heating & Cooling has served the Greater Cincinnati area. Please contact our team of experts as you consider how to evaluate your home's indoor air quality and what to do to improve your family's health. We're happy to help answer all of your questions.

Open door image via Shutterstock.