Want to know how you can improve indoor air quality in your home? You may be used to seeing smog or dirt and dust in the air, as well as receiving air quality warnings and updates. Being located in the Tennessee Valley, we are fairly accustomed to experiencing the all-too-familiar haze settling in, whether you are near a city or by the fields.
Often, these outdoor less-than-ideal air conditions are what come to mind when we think of air pollution or poor quality air. However, we sometimes fail to realize that this kind of air pollution can exist within our own homes as well.
In fact, not only does air pollution exist within our homes, it is often even worse than the pollution that we see in the outdoors. Given that we spend approximately 87% of our lives inside, poor indoor air quality can greatly impact our lives and our well-being. For the sake of your health and the health of others in your household, it may be time to make some adjustments to improve the indoor air quality of your home.
What’s polluting your air?
Before we dive into ways to improve indoor air quality, let’s take a look at the most common pollutants first. Contaminants from the outdoors can travel in on clothes and shoes easily and can take up residence on your furniture, carpeting, vents, and more, being stirred up every time someone or something comes in contact with them, or even when the air conditioning kicks on.
Carbon monoxide is another common pollutant within homes, as it results from natural gas escaping into your home without burning off. Asbestos, lead, mold, and mildew are all potential threats to the air quality in your home as well, especially if it is an older house, or the moisture levels are not well-maintained.
Improve indoor air quality
Now that we have taken a look at the potential problems and pollutants within your home, let’s dive into seeing just how you can improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Changing filters
Staying on top of regularly changing your air filters out is an easy way to quickly improve the quality of the air being circulated throughout your home. While your AC unit is conditioning the air in your house, it is filtering out particles and potential pollutants, so regularly swapping these filters out helps to prevent these from being cycled back into the air.
This filter isn’t the only one in your home that should be consistently cleaned or changed, however. Household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, dryers, and more, all should be maintained to help prevent dirt and dust from settling back in.
Cleaning ducts
Another key aspect to improving indoor air quality within your home is to maintain clean air ducts. These ducts carry hot and cold air to each part of your home, so ensuring that they remain clean and in good repair is essential. Dusty or dirty ducts can contribute to the dispersal of these pollutants to every nook and cranny in your house, causing allergies and other breathing problems. Having a professional clean these every few months can greatly improve indoor air quality.
Controlling humidity
High levels of humidity, if left unchecked, can create ideal environments for mold and mildew to make their home. These can cause breathing issues and even mold sickness if not properly handled quickly. Investing in a quality dehumidifier for your home, especially rooms more susceptible to higher moisture levels can help to prevent major issues from developing.
Simple solutions such as these are easy ways to go about improving the air quality within your home. If you have more questions about the maintenance of your air conditioning, want to schedule HVAC services, or need assistance with air filters or air ducts, contact the experts at Valley Heating & Cooling today.