Your Indoor Air Quality & Summertime Ozone
Did you know that summer is the worst time of year for healthy indoor air quality?
Ozone levels tend to be higher in the summer because sunny days and hot temperatures don’t allow the pollutants to be cleared from the air. These high ozone levels find a way into your home and can cause breathing difficulties for even healthy family members.What can YOU do to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
- Improve ventilation in your home – ductwork and exhaust fans can remove combustion gases from a home. Without proper ventilation, an otherwise insulated and airtight house will seal in harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, also trapping moisture inside that can damage a house.
- Weatherize you home against air leakage – from air sealing to improving ventilation to adding insulation, home weatherization helps consumers improve indoor air quality
- Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature – homeowners can save roughly 2.5% on their utility bill per 1 degree drop in space temperature
- Avoid using pesticides – think instead of using natural remedies
- Limit use of aerosol cans – spray cans contain volatile organic compounds that release ozone into the lower atmosphere and add to smog and pollution
- Keep windows/door shut – wait until a breezy day to open up those windows and let fresh air circulate throughout your home