During the hot summer months, Sanibel’s temperatures can average a high of more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During these same months, the area is plagued by a considerable number of summer storms. These storms can range from mild to intense, but they all have one thing in common.

Summer storms can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality.

But how can they affect the air inside your home? Continue reading to learn five ways summer storms can negatively affect the air quality inside your home.

1. Wind Carries Pollutants to Your Area

The wind that comes both during and before summer storms can carry with it pollutants from other areas. Depending on the strength of the wind, this can be either environmental or industrial pollutants. These pollutants can decrease your indoor air quality through open windows, shoes, and clothing.

2. Sun and Wind Create Hazardous Fire Conditions

Summertime is generally a high-risk for wildfires. When the sun combines with the winds of summer storms, this risk is magnified. Forest fires release carbon monoxide and particle pollution into the air, which can then get inside your home.

3. Filters Dirty Faster

When summer storms bring more pollutants into your home, your HVAC system’s air filters dirty faster. When filters become too dirty, they no longer get rid of pollutants and allergens in the air. To keep your air quality as high as possible, you may need to change filters more often.

4. Higher Chance of Mold Spore Creation

When summer storms make the weather wet and warm, your home is at an increased risk of mold spore creation. If there’s damage to your roof or windows, this risk is increased. The risk of mold spores is also increased in certain rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

Mold spores can have adverse effects on human and animal health. Certain people are at a higher risk of severe complications.

5. High Humidity Makes It Difficult for You and Your Home

High humidity is common with summer storms. When the humidity is higher, it can make it more difficult for certain people to breathe. It can also make your indoor temperature rise, causing your air conditioner to work harder to keep things cool.

When your air conditioner works harder, it’s less likely to work as efficiently as it should. This means you AC may not be keeping the air inside your home as free of allergens, contaminants, and pollutants as it usually would.

Do You Have More Questions About How Summer Storms Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Summer storms can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality in multiple ways. It isn’t only during these storms that indoor air is affected, but also before and after.

Do you have more questions about how summer storms affect indoor air quality? Or would you like to learn how to improve your home’s air?

Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have.