What does summer mean to you? For us, it is all about taking our pets out for a walk, spending time by the beach and indulging in outdoor activities. But a lot of summertime activities pose a threat to indoor air quality.
Want to learn about indoor air? Read this.
There are many reasons for poor indoor air quality in the hotter months, and while a few of them are out of control, you can take preventive measures to improve the ones you can control.
Before jumping to a conclusion, let’s first shed light on the factors that degrade indoor air quality.
Why is Air Quality Different During Summer?
Increase in Wildfires
In Australian Summer’s we see an accelerated number of wildfires. In dryer regions, extreme heatwaves cause wildfires, releasing airborne particles and other toxic gases into the environment.
While many people think that leaving windows and doors open in the hotter months will improve air quality, cases like wildfires can significantly decline the levels and impact human health as well.
Increase in Mold Growth
Have you heard of summer mold? While mold can grow in any season, it thrives the most during summer. It is because warm and wet make the ideal breeding ground for mold.
The growth of mold does not only affect your indoor air quality but also your health. You may experience several symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing and skin irritation. In case you are allergic to mold, the symptoms may aggravate.
Natural Seasonal Changes
As the weather gets warmer, precipitation levels also decline. These conditions pose a threat to outdoor air quality due to an increase in several pollutant levels, such as particulate matter and ozone.
Research studies also suggest that lower levels of precipitation cause pollution to stay in one place for longer, and as a result, it further degrades indoor air quality.
Increase in Allergies
We see a sharp increase in allergen levels as the season transitions, as more people suffer from allergies around this time of the year.
Leaving windows and doors open is not an option because you invite allergens inside. Also, be mindful if you spend your time outdoors because pollen can easily attach to the fabric.
Increase in Air Conditioner Usage
Air conditioning is a necessity for Australian summers because the temperature becomes unbearable. Undoubtedly, an air conditioner provides total home comfort when the heat outside drains our energy.
However, it has drawbacks since it mostly recirculates indoor air, worsening air quality with pollutants and contaminants. Therefore, adding an efficient and appropriate HVAC system to improve air quality levels becomes crucial during summer.
Want to know what makes up the indoor climate? Read here!
Opening doors and windows is risky
We know it can be an instinct to open windows and doors when the sun sets and the air becomes a little bearable. While you think it is a better option to let fresh air into your house, there is a costly drawback to doing so.
You unintentionally invite outdoor pollutants and toxic gases released from vehicles, industrial activities and natural calamities, such as wildfires. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the windows and doors closed and switch to mechanical ventilation.
Proper Ventilation is the Key!
The first thing you should do is decrease your reliance on natural ventilation, and the second is to invest in a powerful and efficient air purifier that suits your requirements.
Air purification technology is designed to extract contaminants and airborne particles from the environment and clean the air, making it safe for breathing.
A HEPA air purifier, like Euromate’s, is efficient enough to tackle small particles and filter the air with 99.997 per cent efficiency.
Other Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Summers
Besides installing air purifiers, there are other ways that support your efforts to improve air quality levels, such as:
- Controlling humidity at 60 per cent or lower to prevent mold growth
- Vacuuming and general house cleaning to keep dust mites at bay
- Replacing HVAC air filters for efficient airflow
- Sealing leaks and cracks with caulks to prevent outdoor pollutants and moisture
Feel free to reach out to Euromate indoor air quality experts to know more about our air purification technology.
