9 Tips for Maintaining Great Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air inside your home can have a direct impact on your family’s overall health and well-being. In fact, according to studies conducted by the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. There are a number of factors that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as pets, smoking, household cleaning products, and even certain building materials. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to improve the quality of the air inside your home.
1. Never Smoke Indoors
Cigarette smoke is packed with harmful toxins that can wreak havoc on your health. These toxins include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic. Exposure to these toxins can cause a wide range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
In addition to the health risks posed by toxic particles, cigarette smoke also exacerbates respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. If you smoke indoors, you put yourself and your loved ones at risk of exposure to harmful tobacco chemicals.
2. Invest in an Air Purifier
An air purifier works by circulating the air in your home and filtering out harmful contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Some models also contain ionizers that release negative ions into the air that attach themselves to positively charged particles like dust and pollen, causing them to fall to the ground instead of floating around in the air where you can breathe them in.
Air purifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any budget and any space, from small bedroom air purifiers to large whole-house systems. Some models are designed for specific needs such as allergies, asthma, smoke removal, or chemical sensitivities. No matter what your needs are, there’s an air purifier out there that’s perfect for you. You can also speak to us if you need assistance finding an air purifier for your space.
3. Minimize Use Of Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaning products are full of chemicals that can pollute the air and contribute to poor indoor air quality. When these products are used, the chemicals are released into the air, where they can be breathed in by anyone in the vicinity. In addition to causing health problems, these chemicals can also damage household furnishings and negatively affect the environment.
Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to harsh cleaning products that are just as effective at getting your home clean. For example, vinegar and water can be used to clean most surfaces in your home. Baking soda is also a great all-purpose cleaner, and it can even be used to remove stubborn stains. If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, there are a number of green cleaners on the market that are safe for people, pets, and the environment.
4. Replace Your AC Filters
While a clean air filter is essential for ensuring the efficient operation of your AC unit, it also plays an important role in protecting your family from harmful airborne particles. A dirty filter can allow mold, dust, and other allergens to circulate through your home, potentially causing respiratory problems or aggravating existing allergies. Replacing your air filter on a monthly basis is one of the simplest ways to ensure great indoor air quality for your family.
5. Stock Up On Houseplants
Indoor plants play a vital role in purifying the air in our homes. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen — two gases that are essential for human life but that often become imbalanced indoors.
In addition, plants help to filter out harmful toxins and chemicals that can be found in household cleaning products, paint, and other common items. When choosing plants for your home, it’s important to do your research so that you select those that will be most effective at improving your indoor air quality.
6. Install a Ductless Mini-Split System
Traditional AC systems are not always the best option when it comes to indoor air quality. One of the main problems with these systems is that they rely on ducts to distribute cool air throughout the home. However, over time, these ducts can become filled with dust and other particles, which are then re-circulated back into the house every time the AC is turned on. This can cause a significant deterioration in air quality, as well as aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.
One alternative to traditional AC is a ductless mini-split system. These systems don’t rely on ducts to distribute cool air, which means there’s no risk of re-circulating dust and other particles back into the home. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, then installing a ductless mini-split system is an excellent option to consider.
7. Install Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are devices that work to remove moisture from the air. By reducing the level of humidity in a room, dehumidifiers can help to improve indoor air quality. During the summer months, humidity levels often rise as warm air holds more moisture. This can lead to a number of problems, such as musty odors, damp floors, and mold growth. In addition, high humidity levels can make it difficult to breathe, aggravate allergies, and contribute to static electricity.
By using a dehumidifier, you can help to alleviate these problems and create a more comfortable living environment. Dehumidifiers can also help to protect your furniture and clothing from damage caused by excessive moisture. In addition, they can reduce energy costs by making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.
8. Install Humidifiers
Low humidity levels can also cause a lot of problems, including bloody noses, dry sinuses, and cracked lips. By installing humidifiers, you can improve your indoor air quality and make your home more comfortable. Humidifiers work by releasing water vapor into the air. This vapor helps to increase the level of moisture in the air, which can help to reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems.
In addition, humidifiers can also help to reduce static electricity and keep plants healthy. There are many different types of humidifiers available on the market, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. With proper maintenance, a humidifier can provide years of service and significantly improve your indoor air quality.
9. Do a Deep Cleanse
By doing a thorough cleaning at least once a year, you can help to remove air contaminants and make your home a healthier place to live. However, it’s critical to remember that simply cleaning surfaces is not enough — you also need to address the air itself. One way to do this is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance.
A trained technician will clean the ductwork and replace filters, ensuring that your system is running efficiently and circulating clean air throughout your home. In short, a deep cleanse is an important part of maintaining a healthy home—but it’s not the only step you need to take.
Contact Professionals Today!
At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, we provide a full range of air conditioning, heating, and air quality services. We serve Caldwell County and the surrounding cities, and we offer 24/7 service. Our team of certified technicians will work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today to learn more about how we can help you improve your indoor air quality.