Could Your House Be Harming Your Health, iaq, blog, tom rostron

January 30, 2017

Whether we like to admit it or not, a lot of our time, especially during the winter months, is spent at home. During the summer here in Monmouth and Ocean County, NJ we spend significantly more time outdoors, but all the time spent inside when it’s cold out can be harmful to our health. Apart from the obvious, like potentially not getting enough exercise, spending so much time at home can have a negative impact.

Poor Indoor Air Quality at Home During the Winter

How exactly can your Monmouth or Ocean County, NJ home be contributing to poor health? The main culprit is poor indoor air quality (IAQ) caused by a variety of issues that can creep up when your home is tightly locked up for winter.

Mold

Mildew and mold can easily grow during the winter when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, usually a window or an exterior wall.

VOCs from Cleaning Supplies & Candles

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many cleaning supplies and are produced by candles. When you’re cleaning or staying cozy with a candle during the winter, these VOCs get trapped inside, lowering the quality of the air you and your family are constantly breathing.

Crawlspaces

Moisture can build up in crawlspaces causing mold to grow. Rodents may also seek shelter in your home’s crawlspace, particularly in the winter, further adding to poor IAQ and home health.

Improperly Maintained HVAC Systems

If your home’s heating system hasn’t been properly serviced and had its air filter replaced or cleaned, it could be actively contributing to indoor air pollution. Making sure preventive maintenance is performed regularly will help you stay healthier, while also keeping you more comfortable at home.

Poor Ventilation

Using the vent hood in your kitchen and the exhaust fan in any bathrooms is important year-round. Especially during the winter, when your windows are tightly shut, moisture and cooking byproducts can build up in the air.

Improve Your Home & Health with Help from Tom Rostron

The expert team at Tom Rostron has been serving the local area for over 25 years. Making sure your well-sealed, insulated and maintained home can benefit your health. We have experience in dealing with poor indoor air quality, insulation and air sealing, as well as HVAC maintenance to make your home more healthy and comfortable during the winter and every other season.

Keep your home healthy and comfortable! Contact us or call (732) 612-2671 to schedule your consultation today.