When you come down with uncomfortable or concerning health symptoms, you understandably want to stay at home to rest and recuperate. Your home should be a clean, relaxing environment that fosters your recovery to good health. Unfortunately, many homes actually contribute to the unpleasant health symptoms that occupants experience. These are some of the things in your home environment that could be making you sick.
A Dirty HVAC System
One of the most common causes of or contributors to poor indoor air quality is the HVAC system. Through annual HVAC system maintenance, your equipment will be professionally cleaned. This removes accumulated matter that may otherwise blow through the air vents and throughout your home. Likewise, regularly cleaning the air ducts and replacing the air filters can improve indoor air quality. If you are suffering from respiratory symptoms that are seemingly worse at home, it may be time to schedule service for your AC and heating system.
Signs of Mold Growth
Exposure to some types of mold may cause respiratory symptoms that may be minor or that may mimic the flu in many ways. You may notice signs of mold growth, such as visible areas black growth on the walls or other surfaces. Even if you cannot see the mold, you may see water damage signs or notice a moldy, musty smell in the home. Professional mold testing will tell you if this situation is present in your home and should be addressed by an experienced mold remediation team.
General Filth
There are many other causes of illness in the home, including respiratory symptoms, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and more. For example, if you have not cleaned your home recently and thoroughly, bacteria, viruses and other elements may be found on many hard surfaces throughout the home. Each time you touch these surfaces, you may expose yourself to them again. Dust mites in your bedding or on the floor are another common area of concern that you should focus your attention on as you create a healthier home environment.
You can see that many issues around the house could be making it difficult for you to recover or could actually be contributing to your health concerns. Now is a wonderful time to assess your home’s current condition and state of cleanliness. Seek assistance with any of these problematic situations as needed and as soon as possible so that you can improve the condition of your home environment and recover from your illness.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.