See, you’re probably aware of the dangers of pollution, smog, and allergens outside your home – but you may not know that your indoor air has the potential to be even more dangerous. The issue has become so pressing that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to address it with special studies.

The Results
“EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.”

Tip-offs
Irritated eyes, nose, and throat are some of the first indicators of poor indoor air quality. Since these symptoms can also accompany colds, the flu, or viruses, it’s important to pay attention to when and where the symptoms begin. Don’t be afraid to play detective. Dust or dirt around heating or air vents, on ceilings or stained walls should alert you that there is a problem.

Give your home an energy check up: Do windows close properly? Do you have enough insulation in your attic? Is it time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace or air conditioner?

Update your light bulbs: fluorescent lights—particularly compact fluorescent bulbs—use only 25 percent of the energy consumed by traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last up to ten times longer too! Fluorescent light bulbs may cost more, but they save you considerably more in the future.

Send your water heater on vacation: Did you know most water heaters have a “vacation” setting? So when you’re out of town, switch the setting. It will keep the water warm, but not use as much energy as keeping a tank full of piping hot water.

Unplug rarely used appliances: Cell phone chargers, laptops, TVs, stereos, all use energy—even when they’re turned off. Try using a power strip to group these electronics. Then, one flick and they’re all off.

Give your clothes the cold shoulder: It takes a lot of energy to heat water, so wash clothes in cold instead. There are even detergents made specifically for washing in cold.

Get with the program: Spring can be unpredictable in Marion County, Hamilton County and Madison County. You’ll be tempted to adjust your thermostat every time the mercury drops or rises. Don’t—invest in a programmable thermostat to save money.

Be a Star: Of course, we’re talking about choosing Energy Star appliances. If you’re in the market for a new appliance, such as a heating or cooling system, let us know. We’d be happy to do a Home Comfort Analysis to help you choose the perfect system for your home. We’ll analyze the size of your home, and factor in windows, high ceilings, insulation and more.

We hope this helps you save a little green this spring and summer. Have even more energy-saving tips to share? “Like” us on Facebook and tell us how you save energy around your home.

In these chilly winter months, we get a lot of furnace troubleshooting calls such as, “Why is my furnace not working?” or “Why is my furnace not blowing hot air?” If you are having furnace problems, call Action Air today at 317-585-8981 today.