Many homeowners don’t realize this, but the indoor air quality (IAQ) of their home can actually be worse than the fresh air of the outdoors. It’s hard to believe, when our outdoor air quality isn’t even that bad to begin with, relative to other parts of the country. But if you have a modern home, it means it was built “tightly” to allow for the best efficiency for your HVAC systems—and this type of construction also allows for allergens and other contaminants to stay trapped in your home.

This is great news for your energy bills, as your air conditioner and heater will operate more efficiently. But it’s not so great if anyone in your family is an allergy or asthma sufferer. With no air being able to escape your home, contaminants like dust, dirt, pollen and pet dander get trapped inside with you, and even the healthiest person can become ill—without the right indoor air quality products and services in place.

Remember that there is indoor air and outdoor air, and the rate that one displaces the other is called the air exchange rate, and can be taken into account when trying to keep outdoor air pollution out, as much as possible, via things like air intakes and exhaust fans that are part of a quality ventilation system.

Some indoor air pollutants aren’t from outdoor air pollution, but could be from tobacco smoke. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has a disclaimer about secondhand smoke and the damage it can cause. Regardless of the sources of indoor air pollution, the VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and the health effects they have, is something that every homeowner needs to consider.

Comfort Bear here, ready to dispense some wisdom for you. Hold onto your seat, because this one’s a real mind blower:

You know how it gets hot and uncomfortable in the summer? You might think that it’s the high temperatures that have got you feeling gross and sweaty. But you’d be mistaken.

The truth is that it’s not the heat, it’s actually the humidity that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Sorry, what? You say you’ve already heard that expression? And you’ve heard it more times than you can stand it?

Okay, okay. But did you know that you can turn your home into a safe haven, free from the discomfort of high humidity, with the simple addition of a whole-house dehumidifier?

And not only will this help you feel more comfortable, but it can even save you money! Here’s the complete rundown: