Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Windows

You’d think that you would be safe from harmful pollutants while inside the comfort of your own home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), however, the average homeowner actually receives 72 percent of their chemical exposure at home.

In this article, Renewal by Andersen® of Portland, your premier home improvement company for window replacement in Salem, Oregon, talks about the things that contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and suggests a great way to combat it.

What Contributes to Poor Indoor Air?

The air we breathe indoors can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. And since most of us spend 90 percent of our time within walls, it’s essential to have a bit of knowledge on the factors that cause poor IAQ. These include:

● Chemicals — This is one of the primary sources of indoor exposure to airborne pollutants inside the home. Furniture, building materials, and other household products emit thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles into the air, which can leave you vulnerable to a variety of health risks.

● Mold — Moisture also plays a large role in poor IAQ. If your home has gaps in door and window units, moisture can enter and settle within your walls, encouraging mold growth. This emits a large amount of VOCs, as well.

● Poor Ventilation — With most of us spending our time inside tightly sealed and insulated buildings, we cut ourselves off from healthy natural air. We get exposed to pollutants since we only breathe re-circulated, conditioned air during these long periods.

How Do You Deal with Poor IAQ?

Investing in replacement windows in Lake Oswego can help you improve indoor air quality and maintain a healthier home. You’ll need Renewal by Andersen® of Portland for this. We are the reliable window company that homeowners trust for high quality windows and their expert installation.

Our windows are made of durable and energy-efficient Fibrex®, a material that combines the strength and insulating properties of wood with the low maintenance features of vinyl. Forty percent clean, reclaimed wood fiber makes up this composite. It also keeps an airtight seal that prevents moisture from infiltrating your home and encouraging mold and mildew growth. Since Fibrex doesn’t require painting and wood treatments, it also reduces VOC emissions inside your home.

Turn to Renewal by Andersen® of Portland and expect a comfortable, healthier home through our replacement windows. Fill out our online form today for a free estimate.