Easy Swap #2 – change your HVAC filter more often. Some recommend once a month, others every other month, but minimally every quarter.
I didn’t realize how important changing your air filter was, until I got my home air tested and it didn’t score well…. Due to a very old dirty filter in my HVAC.
“The EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels”. And they are ranked among the top 5 environmental threats to public health (1).
One pollutant in many homes are VOCs.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term health effects.
Some health effects are:
* Eye, nose and throat irritation
* Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
* Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
* Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
VOC’s are often found in these items that are easily replaceable:
1. Aerosol sprays
2. Cleansers
3. Disinfectants
4. Air fresheners
5. Paints, solvents, etc
(2)
I was so grateful to find Filtertime’s delivery service and the Air Doctor which have both cleaned up the air in my home!
1.https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools
2.https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
