When we think of climate change, we most often think of melting glaciers, catastrophic wildfires, or coastal cities bracing for the possibility of floods. What is often overlooked is the way that larger-scale shifts bleed down into something more local. By local, we could even be talking about in the heart of your own home. Across the USA, and the world, homeowners are starting to see the effects of climate change in their own indoor spaces, which can have very real and sometimes unexpected impacts.
With problems ranging from stale, smoky air clinging on indoors to an increase in mold and damp, the home is becoming a frontline in the climate crisis – and we need to be ready to deal with it, regardless of our views on the overall causes.
Wildfire smoke is spreading into living rooms
As a heading, that may be unsurprising – when you live near an area with frequent wildfires, you come to expect to see the results of those fires in your home. But bear in mind here, we’re not just talking about wildfires in LA affecting homes in the Hollywood Hills; smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds of miles from its origin. Wildfires originating on the West Coast and in Canada can result in smoke affecting homes in the Midwest.
While many people will assume that closing their windows is all that you need to do to avoid the impacts of this smoke, the truth is that fine PM2.5 particles can slip into the home, including through HVAC systems, and settle in the home – and if you or a loved one is affected by respiratory health issues, this can be a real problem.
Homeowners in areas of risk are increasingly being advised to place portable air purifiers, upgrade their HVAC filters, and contact vent cleaning services to ensure that these pollutants cannot affect their homes in a problematic way.
Hotter summers are changing energy use and air quality
There can be no doubt that we have seen an increase in heatwaves in recent years, many of which are delivering the hottest days on record for a specific date, and the heatwaves are getting longer. This results in pressure on energy grids, as well as on the average home’s ability to stay cool and comfortable. Families without central air conditioning are having to resort to a Rube Goldberg-esque juggling act with fans to deliver air flow and cooling as homes stay warm even after the sun goes down.
Even for those with AC, hotter weather can lead to a sealed-up environment that traps stale air, retains cooking smells and pet dander, and contains more airborne irritants. The more that we are reliant on mechanical methods of cooling, the less fresh air can make its way through our homes, and this can result in stuffiness, humidity, and other forms of discomfort which can create or aggravate health issues.
For any home undergoing improvements, a sound ventilation strategy is becoming ever more important – making sure ducts and vents are clear and functional and ensuring a flow of fresh air.
Mold is on the rise in flood-prone regions
Warmer air holds more moisture, which is bad news for regions that are already prone to high levels of humidity. The Southeast and Gulf Coast are among the regions that have seen rising humidity levels that threaten to lead to mold problems in homes. This is a particular problem in those with poor ventilation or insulation that needs to be renewed. At the same time, increased rainfall and an increase in flash flooding leaves more homes at risk of water intrusion. Even minor leaks, when left unchecked, can increase the potential for mildew and mold – particularly in enclosed and unventilated spaces like basements.
It’s advisable to look out for musty indoor air and signs of allergies such as sneezing or itchy eyes, and to know that dehumidifiers will be hugely beneficial. If such problems persist after the mold is cleaned off, it may be worth scheduling an inspection of ductwork and vents to ensure that dampness and spores aren’t hidden away in there.
Pollen seasons go on for longer – and are more intense
Many of us are assailed by pollen in the spring months, and it’s increasingly accepted that this is part of life as the mercury rises. However, pollen seasons, and the symptoms that accompany them, are going on for longer. With temperature and CO2 levels on the rise, plants are producing more pollen and releasing it over a longer spell. In some parts of the country, “spring sniffles” can start as early as February, and can outlast the summer.
For those with a pollen intolerance, the effects are felt indoors and out; pollen particles can cling to clothes, shoes, and pets, and be circulated through HVAC systems. It’s more essential than ever to regularly vacuum, ensure linens are washed, and limit airflow through open windows. Ensuring that your home is circulating clean, filtered air, and that allergens have fewer places to hide, is more important than ever.
Protecting your home
All of the above issues have at least some mitigating solutions, but they nonetheless represent a shift in how we need to think about our living spaces. Your home is still your first and best refuge from the outside world, but preparing it for changes related to the climate crisis requires some proactive thinking.
Taking simple steps now – like sealing windows, upgrading insulation, and investing in air quality monitors and purifiers – can make a big difference. So can knowing when the time is right to call on professional help for some of the larger issues.
In areas that are vulnerable to earthquakes and hurricanes, it is now common to build homes for protection against the impacts of those issues. Now it seems sensible to consider that, wherever you are, the threats from climate change are an ever-present issue – and to mitigate for those. Climate change may seem to be something that’s happening out there, but the truth is it’s not going to leave you alone once the door is closed.
