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Attached garages are convenient, but they present a distinct disadvantage: They can compromise your indoor air quality and, in some cases, expose your family to harmful gases, fumes and other irritants.

Carbon monoxide, solvent fumes, pesticide residue and other poisons can seep into your home through holes, cracks or openings in the wall. And pressure differences between the garage and the interior of your home can pull these harmful gases and fumes into your home.

Here are three ways to cut down on the level of pollutants in your attached garage and keep those substances out of your home:

• Install a garage ventilation system. These systems consist of one or more fans, similar to those found in bathrooms, and are designed to vent indoor air to the outdoors. Starting and running your car generates carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants, so run these fans frequently, especially after starting or parking your car in the garage. These fans can also reduce pressure differences between the garage and interior of your house.
• Limit how much you start or run fuel-operated machinery inside. You have to start your car in the garage, but reduce the time the vehicle sits inside idling. Take lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers and other combustion-fueled equipment outside to start them.
• Don’t store hazardous substances in your garage. If you have to keep them inside, make sure paint, insecticides, rodent killers, fertilizers, solvents, weed killers, fuels or other harmful substances stored in your garage are in tightly sealed containers. If you can, remove these items completely and, when you need more, buy only what you will use at one time.

Home Comfort Experts proudly serves homeowners in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Contact our heating and cooling company today for more information on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality.