As a homeowner, there are a few key things you must keep an eye on to ensure the health of both you and your home. One of these elements is the airflow, which is the ventilation of your home. Having proper airflow in your home helps to rid moisture, smoke, cooking odors, and indoor pollutants. Airflow impacts your attic’s ability to hold heat and moderates the dampness in basements and crawl spaces to help keep moisture out of uninsulated walls. Blocked air flow can cause damage, so it is important to keep an eye on signs that your home may not have proper airflow.
Condensation
Condensation can be one of the most apparent signs of improper airflow. Condensation is created when the air reaches a point where it can’t hold moisture due to temperature changes, so this moisture migrates to the coldest surfaces possible. These surfaces are commonly your windows, walls, and behind furniture. If left unchecked, the dampness caused by condensation can seep into your walls. This can cause your wallpaper to peel and could even lead to the threat of black mold. High areas of condensation include your bathroom, especially due to shower use, and kitchen, due to cooking. In your living space, moisture can cause damage to your furniture over time. If you notice moisture getting trapped in your home, it is important to take steps to improve the airflow of these areas.
Risks to Your Health
The repercussions of dealing with improper airflow can cause issues not only to your home but your health as well. Damp and mold can trigger asthma. Dust mites love the conditions caused by improper airflow. When they get on your skin or are inhaled, dust mites can trigger issues such as asthma, eczema, watery eyes, itching, sneezing, and runny nose. This lack of airflow can also elevate seasonal allergies such as hay fever due to pollens in the air traveling into your home and becoming trapped. Mold can also cause irritation of your eyes, nose, and throat. It can cause headaches, fevers, and even lead to immune system issues. Long exposure can lead to respiratory damage. These issues can impact everyone in the home, including your pets.
What to Do
It’s important to pay attention to areas in your home where you’ve noticed signs of improper airflow. Areas such as your kitchen and bathroom tend to need more proper airflow. You’ll also want to make sure that all your vents are unblocked. Commonly, furniture or rugs could be covering a vent, and this can lead to airflow issues. If you feel like you’re experiencing issues caused by improper airflow, it’s important to find a qualified professional who can help solidify the issues. It is important to do so sooner rather than later. The risks to your home due to improper airflow can lead to more costly repairs down the line. You also want to consider the health of you, your family, and your pets.