Excess Moisture
When you have excess moisture in your home, it can affect the building’s structure as well as your health. Moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and other bacteria, which can cause illness and weaken your home’s structure. So not only can it cause asthma and allergies, it can destroy your wood and rust metal. This is why it’s crucial to have proper air distribution and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where warm air is produced.

Radon
This is a radioactive gas, and it can enter your house up through the soil where it’s naturally generated. Radon can cause lung cancer, so it’s wise to get your home tested to see if you have elevated levels of this gas in your living space.

Combustion Products
Did you know that your gas-fired appliances emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and water vapor? If your flues are damaged or your gas appliance isn’t vented properly, you can have a backdraft of some of these harmful gases.

Volatile Organic Compounds
What causes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home? Well, the formaldehyde in your carpets as well as pesticides and even your body odors can cause VOCs. The VOCs from formaldehyde, pesticides and gasoline in your garage is what you need to watch.

Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke can cause health consequences for smokers and non-smokers because of all of the gases and particles that are produced so this can be an indoor pollutant too.

During fall and winter, you’re more likely to be inside most of the time, so it’s beneficial to assess your home and determine how you can make your indoor environment less harmful to your health.

Garage Pollutants
The emissions from you car can easily find their way into your home if the seal around your door that connects your house to the garage isn’t airtight. You might need to invest in some weather stripping. It’s also wise to check the walls and fill or fix any cracks.

Moisture Control
Preventing excess moisture in your home starts with your gutters. If the water from your roof isn’t draining properly away from your basement or foundation walls, it can cause problems. If you live in warmer climates or areas with heavy rainfall, it’s beneficial to invest in a dehumidifier.

Safe Household Products and Décor
Using eco-friendly cleaning products and pesticides can prevent volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building up in your home. Also, purchase untreated wood and rugs that don’t contain formaldehyde.

Fan Out the Problem
Before replacing your current bathroom or kitchen fan, try cleaning it out first. Dust build up can prevent it from working properly. However, if you don’t already have a fan, invest in an energy-efficient one that can provide more ventilation without eating up your electricity.

Filter Out the Problem
Replacing your furnace filter once a month during the colder season can reduce particulates such as pollen, dust, tobacco smoke and soot. If you neglect to change your filter regularly, it actually causes your furnace to work harder, which uses up more energy. Your furnace could even break down prematurely if it’s constantly being over worked.

Improving your air quality might involve some do-it-yourself projects here and there, but it’s better than purchasing a whole new ventilation system. Don’t forget to apply these same tips to your office, because it’s likely that you have air quality issues there too.