People are creatures of habit in Palatine, IL, and some bad habits increase health risks. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is paramount for great health and well-being, and failing to improve it is risky. Read on to discover these four bad habits that can make indoor air quality worse.
1. Smoking Indoors
While Illinois laws prohibit smoking in public, there aren’t laws preventing anyone from smoking inside their homes. However, if you smoke inside your home, you place your family at risk of secondhand smoke effects. Smoke and nicotine can also coat your walls and windows, creating a dangerous environment with poor indoor air quality.
2. Inadequate Chimney Cleaning
Fireplaces offer an additional heating source for your Palatine, IL home. However, creosote coats the chimney lining over time if you don’t schedule regular chimney cleaning. Creosote also increases the risk of chimney fires.
Built-up debris blocks smoke from escaping through the chimney, allowing it to flow into your home. Between the creosote and smoke risks, health experts recommend homeowners schedule chimney cleaning annually to reduce risks and improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
3. Not Changing Air Filters
A busy life makes it easy to forget to change your air filter. Dirty air filters affect the indoor air quality and how your HVAC system operates. Set a reminder on your smartphone or calendar to help you remember to replace the air filter monthly.
4. Failing to Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Homeowners should schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year to improve system performance. It’s best to schedule these services in spring and fall. Sometimes, homeowners only schedule the services once a year to save money.
Inadequate HVAC maintenance damages major components and leads to system failure. A failing HVAC system can cause poor indoor air quality.
Everyone has bad habits, but sometimes, these habits make indoor air quality worse. Smoking indoors, dirty chimneys and air filters and inadequate maintenance can affect indoor air quality. Contact us at Martin Enterprises Heating & Air Conditioning to improve your indoor air quality.
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