Most of us spend 90% of our time indoors! Here are some stunning facts about indoor air quality from consumer advocates at Greenguard Certification:
- Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
- Many home ventilation systems simply recirculate the “bad air” and minimize cleaner outdoor air.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reports 72% of our exposure to chemicals occur at home.
Use ‘Green’ Air Filters: Plants!
To lower your heating bills in the winter, you want to seal sources of drafts and air leaks. But to lower a number of airborne contaminants in your house, you have to regularly introduce the cleaner outdoor air into your home. But opening windows isn’t the only solution. A NASA study links plants to improved indoor air quality. Potted plants are a natural, attractive way to filter indoor air! Good “air filtering” plants include:
- Bamboo Palm
- Boston Fern
- Dracaena
- Dragon Tree
- English Ivy
- Golden Pothos
- Lady Palm
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
Other Airborne Contaminant Sources
You’d be surprised at the many sources of indoor air pollution. Some seem unavoidable, but as we continue to discover better ways to protect our environment (and ourselves), new materials will be developed that can reduce indoor air contaminants.
- Carpet – Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in many carpet materials.
- Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) – If broken, they can release mercury (a neurotoxin) into the air.
- Gas stoves – They can produce carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide.
- Glues/adhesives – Another source of VOCs, including n-hexane and formaldehyde.
- Paints – All paints can emit VOCs; aerosol spray paint releases methylene chloride.
- Plastics – New plastic products sometimes emit phthalates and polybrominate.
It’s time to schedule your winter HVAC tune-up! Call 281.651.5484, 936.271.2030, or contact us online. It’s also that time of the year when families reunite or connect with each other during the holiday season. Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated local business. We patronize our local area businesses and advocate community awareness; we are thankful for neighbors like you. From our family to yours, happy holiday season!
