Candles add a cozy ambiance and a pleasant fragrance to your home. But have you ever wondered what burning candles might be doing to your indoor air quality? The information below details the potential health risks and what you can do to enjoy candles safely.

Why Candles Can Impact Indoor Air Quality 

Why Worry About Candles and Indoor Air Quality?

As candles burn, they emit soot, which can enter your lungs as ultrafine particles. Additionally, some candles may produce harmful chemical reactions, releasing toxic substances into your space. These factors can contribute to a variety of health issues, ranging from allergies and asthma to more serious respiratory problems.

What Types of Candles Are the Least Harmful?

If you enjoy having candles in your home, choose high-quality ones made from natural substances such as beeswax or soy instead of paraffin. To minimize the amount of soot a candle produces, select one that has a thin wick. Also keep in mind that although you may enjoy the aroma of scented candles, unscented ones emit less soot than those with added fragrance.

How Else Can You Reduce the Dangers?

Besides selecting the right candles, there are a few other precautions you can take to maintain the indoor air quality of your home when burning candles. Keep wicks trimmed to a quarter of an inch to reduce soot, open a window or door to increase ventilation, and schedule an HVAC contractor to clean your ducts regularly.

Philip Perkins Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Middletown, OH, area since 1987. Whether you want to improve your indoor air quality or you need 24/7 emergency HVAC help, their team is dedicated to keeping you comfortable. Call (513) 423-7052 today to schedule furnace cleaning or air conditioning checkups or visit their website to learn more about their heating and cooling services.