We have all experienced and come to expect outdoor air quality, but what about indoor air quality? The truth is that outdoor air quality fluctuates with the weather, but indoor air quality can vary based on the season and other factors. From allergies to mold growth, here’s why your home’s indoor air quality could be worse during the summer than at any other time of year.
Increase in Fires
Wildfires are more common in the summer months. In fact, they are more than twice as likely to happen during the summer than they are during the winter.
The dryness that causes wildfires is also bad for your indoor air quality. Trees and grasses die off during a drought and become highly flammable. They can easily catch fire, spreading to nearby structures and causing devastating damage.
This is why it’s so important to have fire extinguishers handy in your home.
Heat and Humidity
Heat and humidity play a large role in indoor air quality during summer. When it’s hot outside, you will likely keep your windows closed longer than usual. This traps moisture inside your home and encourages mold growth, leading to respiratory problems like asthma attacks or allergic reactions like hay fever.
If you experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and more without any obvious cause (like food poisoning), it’s time to check out your home’s ventilation system for signs of mold growth. Also, to determine your indoor air quality index, Mybiosource.com/ can help.
Mold Growth
Mold growth is one of the biggest problems that can occur with indoor air quality. Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter, such as wood and paper. When it’s humid or damp, mold can grow on most surfaces. If there’s mold in your home, it can cause serious health problems.
Moisture from condensation, leaks, and flooding commonly causes mold growth in the summer months. Summer weather tends to be humid and warm, so keeping your house well-ventilated is essential.
Pollen and Allergies
Pollen is a major source of allergies, released by trees, grasses, and weeds. While pollen can cause sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes during any season of the year, summer is its peak season because plants are at their most productive then.
The warmer weather also makes you likely to have windows or doors unlocked in your home. This allows more pollen into your space than you would if it were colder outside. Therefore, less likely for those allergens to make their way inside.
High Use of the Air Conditioner
As the temperature rises, so does the need for air conditioning. Air conditioning systems use a lot of energy, producing a lot of heat. This means that even if you have an Energy Star-rated AC unit, it will still put out more heat than your home needs.
So, keep your AC system clean and well-maintained to prevent excess moisture from building up in your ductwork or evaporator coils. If this happens, mold can start growing on your HVAC system — bad indoor air quality news!
In the end, remember that indoor air quality seriously affects everyone. It’s not just a matter of comfort. It can also impact your health. If you notice symptoms like headaches or nausea inside your home, consider scheduling an air quality test with a professional.
