Being a homeowner is complicated. There’s no manual that you can follow to make the right decisions, so you either follow in your parents’ footsteps or set off on your own path. This can be even more difficult if you’re searching for home maintenance guides on the internet that all contradict each other.
An example of this is if you tend to keep the windows closed and rely heavily on your HVAC system to filter the air inside your house. If you do, you may be experiencing stuffiness, which can happen when your home is poorly ventilated because the air starts feeling thick and you smell an unpleasant odor.
Most homeowners dismiss stale air as nothing more than an inconvenience, but what they might not know is that this can be harming their family’s health. The reason behind this is that stale air is usually an accumulation of airborne contaminants, harmful chemicals, carbon dioxide, and humidity.
However, those aren’t the only potential causes of the stuffiness you’re feeling inside the house. There could be an abundance of reasons, such as clogged vents in the HVAC system, mold and mildew buildup, or airtight windows and doors, to name a few. Here’s how you can deal with these culprits:
Clogged HVAC Vents
Indoor pollution is real. This can happen when the air inside your house is not being cleansed of the pollutants coming from outside, such as pollen, dust, and viruses. The filters and vents in your HVAC system can also be clogged with pet dander, bacteria, or other contaminants that are invisible to the naked eyes.
This can be difficult to notice because the signs aren’t obvious, but you can keep the problem from escalating by conducting routine inspections on your HVAC system. It could also be good to hire professional air vent cleaners so that you can rest assured that the air your family breathes is free of pollutants.
Preserving the quality of air inside your home is important because failing to do so can lead to the development of serious respiratory conditions, especially if you have small kids. Keep your family safe from harm by making sure that your HVAC system is always well-maintained and in optimal condition.
Mold and Mildew Buildup
Stuffiness in the air can be caused by mold and mildew building up around the corners of your home. This can happen when there is trapped moisture on the walls because most mold thrives on damp surfaces, especially if the wetness lasts for more than 48 hours.
There are different kinds of mold and not all of them are harmful to your health. However, because they appear in similar ways, it’s better to get rid of them altogether because no good can come from letting mold and mildew infestations grow.
If you notice any signs of mold and mildew buildup, such as peeling paint, musty smells, or growth on your walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture, then it’s time to get busy. You can call professionals to solve your problem for you, but you can also look into at-home cleaning solutions to detox your home from these harmful spores.
Airtight Windows and Doors
In places where you can experience temperamental weather conditions all the time, having airtight windows and doors can be a cost-effective solution because it can control the amount of air coming in or out of your home. However, this can be putting your family’s health in danger.
This is because your house may not be getting the ventilation it needs even if your HVAC system is working continuously. Sometimes, you just need to crack all the windows and doors open to let the air reach every crevice of your home. Plus, this can help push out the stale air and introduce cleaner air.
Stuffiness is more prevalent during the colder months because most homeowners tend to seal off their homes to fight against the cold, but what this does is keep all the contaminants inside. By blocking off all potential entry points of air, you’re also blocking the escape routes.
Understandably, you want to create a warm cocoon for you and your family during winter so that you can feel your toes. But once springtime comes, you must allow your house to breathe because it deserves a break from being airtight and sealed off.
Your home should be a safe space for you and your family, but this won’t be possible if you’re putting your lives in danger by breathing the stale air inside it. Keep in mind that stuffiness is not only annoying and unpleasant to deal with, but it also comes with potential risks to your family’s health.
Meta title: The Three Potential Causes of Stale Air Inside Your Home
meta desc: Stale air is not only annoying, but it’s also a danger to your and your family’s respiratory health. Find out what could potentially be causing the stuffiness in your home.
