Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term that we all should become more familiar with. Interstate traffic is jammed to the gills. Industrial smokestacks billowing in the wind. When we think of air pollution, these are just a handful of the pictures that come to our minds. But what about indoor air pollution? Did you ever think about how safe the air in your house really is?
The fact is that indoor air pollution is just as hazardous - if not worse - than outside pollution. Considering that the average American spends 87 percent of their time indoors, you'd think indoor air quality would be an issue more frequently brought up. But don't be alarmed! You can enhance the quality of your indoor air now with a little preventative maintenance and some basic understanding.
You can find pollutants in the air in various forms, ranging from outdoor contaminants brought in by your pets to dangerous gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is a frequent air contaminant produced when natural gas is not properly burnt and leaks into your home. Many older homes contain asbestos and lead particles, which are harmful to the lungs when released into the air. Bathrooms and kitchens often have higher humidity levels than the rest of the house, making mold and mildew more likely.
Hence, here are some tips to help improve air quality at home:
All year round, your ac system is working hard to keep your home at the perfect temperature. However, as they travel through all that air, some of those air pollutants are filtering out. Eventually, their air filters become clogged and fail. It not only reduces the quality of your indoor air but also wears down your air conditioning system, which could ultimately lead to expensive repairs. Therefore, be sure to change your AC filters regularly or sign up for an air conditioning service plan that includes filter changes - especially if you have allergies or live in an area with high pollution levels.
When you don't have air conditioning, portable air cleaners are a good option. As an alternative, effective filtration and air purification can be obtained with an in-duct particle remover, such as a flat air filter (MERV 1 to 4), pleated filter (MERV 5 to 13), or even a high-efficiency filter (MERV 14 to 16).
When using air cleaners, it is important to consider installation requirements, costs (including filter cleaning and replacement, as well as electricity usage), and whether the device does away with odors. It is possible for ion generators to leave deposits on surfaces due to the particle attraction they produce. While portable air cleaners may be noisy, those with fans tend to be more effective.
It's not just your AC filter that keeps the air clean in your home. To improve the air quality in your home, you should also check the filters in your other household appliances. All of your kitchen vents, vacuum cleaner, and clothes dryers should be inspected and maintained regularly. Most household appliances require cleaning or replacement of their filters every few months.
The purpose of air ducts is to distribute hot and cold air throughout your house, creating a comfortable environment for each room. A poorly maintained duct system can spread contaminants from room to room. As dust, dander, and even mold accumulates in your HVAC ducts, the quality of your indoor air decreases. Get your ducts checked by a professional to ensure they are circulating clean and fresh air.
The kitchen is one of the most polluting places in the house. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are dangerous toxins that are emitted by gas burners. Even electric burners emit these toxins, as well as other particles that are easily absorbed by the bloodstream, in lesser quantities. So, when you're cooking, open a window or turn on your kitchen vents to assist filter the air even more.
It is not just about increasing the comfort of your home when you have rugs and carpets. Their many fibers act as their own air filters, capturing dust and other particles. If you clean your carpets and rugs weekly, they will keep improving your home's air quality while lying there!
In humid and wet environments, mold and mildew thrive, which can aggravate allergies and asthma. Summer can be particularly humid, depending on where you live. With a few strategically positioned dehumidifiers, you can reduce the quantity of moisture in the air and prevent the formation of bothersome molds. Humidifiers come in a number of styles to assist you to maintain regular humidity levels and provide pleasant living conditions in your house.
The plants act as natural air filters. A few indoor plants will improve both the air quality and the interior decor of your house. The finest plants for eliminating toxins from the air are ferns, lilies, and palm trees (which grow outside).
Purifying and maintaining the air in your home requires diligence and preventative maintenance. As you've learned, there are a few easy steps you can take yourself to reduce indoor air pollution. To learn more, book an appointment with US Home Filter today.
At US Home Filter, we offer a number of indoor air cleaning solutions, including a MERV 11 air cleaner for air handlers and furnaces. Our product line also includes air filters, whole-house air filters, humidifier pads, and grille filters for airborne particles. If you are interested in learning more about our air filtration products, high-quality humidifier pads, or other services we offer, contact us online or call us at 1-855-435-9600 today! We strive to ensure that you feel comfortable knowing the air inside your home is safe and clean.
