Indoor Air Quality Tips
Did you know that indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air?
While you might not be able to see contaminants in the air in your home, you may be breathing in millions of microscopic particles that include pollen, radon, mold spores and dust mite debris. Over time, poor air quality can lead to mild discomfort with minimal exposure and to more serious symptoms such as asthma and severe allergies with prolonged exposure.
Maintain Indoor Air Quality with HVAC
Controlling the Sources of Pollution
A large amount of indoor air impurities stem from unclean duct systems. If you have a duct system in your home, you should invest in professional duct cleaning to remove as many allergens from your home as possible.
Changing Filters Regularly
Central HVAC units have filters to catch dust and other contaminants in the air. Make it a priority to change or clean the filters on a regular basis, following the instructions from the manufacturer.
Controlling Humidity & Moisture
Too much humidity in your home can lead to mold, mildew and dust mites. Too little humidity can lead to cracked walls and damaged wood furnishings. Use a humidity gauge to maintain an indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. You can increase humidity with a humidifier or you can decrease humidity by running your air conditioning.
Improve Ventilation
In an effort to improve heating and air conditioning efficiency, most new homes are as air tight as Tupperware. As a result, any contaminants that get into your home will stay there. Keep air circulating as much as possible with ceiling fans, ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens and open windows (when it’s not too hot or cold outside).
Keep the House Clean
Have you family members and guests take their shoes off when they enter your house, and put walk mats down on all the entrances to prevent people from tracking things from the ground into the house. In addition, make sure you wash sheets and bedding regularly and, if possible, use a HEPA vacuum cleaner and microfiber cloths to trap as much bacteria and dust as possible while cleaning.
Use an Electronic Air Cleaner
Electronic air cleaners purify air as it moves through your ducts, before it goes into your home. These are a highly effective way to trap bacteria and dust before they get into the main areas of your home. If you’re thinking about installing an electronic air cleaner, be sure to choose the kind you want carefully: HEPA air cleaners will filter out small particles such as dust, smoke, pollen, etc., and ozone-ionizer air cleaners are great for eliminating odors, particular cigar and cigarette smoke.
Use Chemical Cleaners Sparingly
Most of the time, household chemical cleaners are as tough on spots and stains as they are on your health. When possible, substitute the use of chemicals for natural ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar. If that sounds like too much work, look for cleaner brands that are labeled non-toxic.
Keep the House Clean
Have you family members and guests take their shoes off when they enter your house, and put walk mats down on all the entrances to prevent people from tracking things from the ground into the house. In addition, make sure you wash sheets and bedding regularly and, if possible, use a HEPA vacuum cleaner and microfiber cloths to trap as much bacteria and dust as possible while cleaning.