Our team has tested thousands of homes in SE Wisconsin and identified several causes of poor indoor air quality. One of the most surprising trends is the increase in carbon dioxide levels due to more people working from home.
Did you know that the quality of air in your home can directly impact your health and wellness? In fact, increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our homes have been shown to affect our concentration, focus, and even our sleep.
But where does this excess CO2 come from? Here are the most common sources of carbon dioxide in your home:
Your Body: That’s right – your own respiration is a significant source of indoor CO2. When exhaling, your breath contains a much higher concentration of CO2 than the surrounding air, which can accumulate in closed rooms over time. Be sure to open windows or doors to promote air flow and consider increasing your home’s ventilation to reduce the amount of CO2 you inhale.
Any Open Flame: From gas stoves and candles to wood-burning fireplaces, any open flame in your home produces CO2. Make sure your ventilation system is in working order and try to limit your use of indoor fires to keep your air balanced.
The Ground Beneath Your House: If you live in a rural area or have a basement, the soil under your home may release dangerous levels of CO2 as organic matter decomposes. Test your air if you suspect this may be an issue.
If you’re concerned about the quality of air in your home, there are several DIY air samplers available for under $200 or you can work with a Healthy Homes Assessor, like Home Perfect, to test your IAQ and get personalized recommendations for improvement. Don’t let excess CO2 compromise your health – take action today.
