The winter season is upon us and it’s likely that most renovations or new home construction projects are either finished or nearly completed. However, home construction, whether from minor repairs or big home improvement projects, produce a variety of airborne contaminants that impact your home’s indoor air quality, even after a project is done. Indoor air pollutants like chemicals, construction dust, and other particles can hang out in your home for weeks after a renovation and can cause both short and long term health effects if not addressed properly.
The air inside your home can become stale during colder months from the lack of ventilation and proper air circulation, making it harder to maintain good air quality. As people spend more time indoors, air pollution can build up and cause more harm than good to a person’s health. If you’ve recently had renovations done to your home, keep reading to find out how you can improve your home’s indoor air quality for better health, comfort, and peace of mind this holiday season.
Air Ducts
Construction dust and other airborne particulates leftover from a renovation project drastically increases the air pollution inside a home and can cause a myriad of health related side-effects. Demolition of old drywall, concrete, vinyl flooring, and more, could contain asbestos, one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution in older home renovations. Many people unknowingly release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air during home improvement or maintenance projects and run the risk of inhaling the fibers and developing asbestos-related diseases. To help stop the spread of airborne debris, ensure that the air ducts are cleaned. Your home’s air ducts are an important part of keeping the air flowing throughout your home. So, when construction dust and debris accumulates, it contaminates your whole home. Eliminate the dust and get your ducts cleaned by an indoor air quality technician to help keep your home healthy and hygienic.
Air Purifier
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are another common byproduct post renovation and come from varnishes, paints, and other building products and materials. Both short term and long-term exposure to VOCs can cause health effects ranging from eye, nose, and throat irritation to liver and kidney disease. To reduce indoor air contaminants consider using either a portable air purifier or an air purification system on your HVAC unit to remove common biological pollutants like pet dander and mold, and to combat the harsh odors VOCs produce. Having a home air purifier is a great way to maintain control over your home’s air quality. Plus, there are several options you can choose from, so you can have cleaner, healthier air post-renovation.
Filter Replacement
It is always a good idea to change your air filter regularly. However, you should change it sooner if you’ve had renovations done, otherwise you’ll continue to contaminate your home with airborne particulate matter and construction debris. With our HVAC filter replacement program, we can provide you with new filters delivered to your doorstep every 90 days. With 6 different filter sizes to choose from, you can rest easy knowing that you're keeping your HVAC system efficient and improving your indoor air quality.
