In such a beautiful area as Peachtree City, it’s hard to think that air pollutants could be a problem. Anyone who suffers from allergies might feel differently, however. Since this is a year-round mild climate, there are plenty of sources of airborne irritants.

The grasses on the lawns and golf courses, pollen from trees and shrubs create some misery, as do naturally occurring mold spores and manmade chemicals. Each of these easily enters your home:

• Through the windows and doors.
• On your clothes, hair, and shoes.
• With your cats and dogs.
• From products you buy and use inside.

Of them, the products you use on a day-to-day basis may have the most serious impact on your health. Known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they’re responsible for myriad health problems from annoying sore throats and eye irritation to serious.

Lowering the Pollutant Load

The most effective ways to manage air pollutants is to prevent them from entering your home by:

• Keeping the windows closed during the spring and fall when pollen counts are at their highest.
• Using door mats to wipe feet off before entering.
• Brushing or bathing pets after they’ve been outdoors during pollen season.
• Upgrading the air filter for your HVAC system. Filters whose MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating is 5 or higher will trap smaller particles, like pollen, mold spores and dust mite waste, all common allergens.
• Limiting your use of products high in VOCs. Avoid highly perfumed candles, makeup, air fresheners, home cleaners and laundry soaps and dryer sheets. It’s easier than ever to home improvement and decorating materials that don’t have high levels of VOCs. Minimize running fuel-powered vehicles and equipment in the garage and keep pool, yard and insecticides tightly covered.
• Laundering bedding weekly in hot water and drying at the hottest dryer setting.

Cutting down on indoor air pollutants improves your indoor air quality and increases comfort, especially when doors and windows are closed to save energy. For more information, contact Powers Heating & Air, providing trusted HVAC services for Peachtree City homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040. 

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