Usually, we tend to think of air pollution as something found outside, such as haze, smog, or smoke hanging in the air. The truth, however, is that the air inside our homes isn’t exempt from air pollution. There may even be times when the air inside is more polluted than the air outside.
Indoor air contaminants come from a variety of sources, but all of them can easily compromise the whole family’s health if not addressed. And as the fall season makes temperatures drop and your whole family starts spending more time indoors, it’s critical to ensure that your indoor air quality is free from these pollutants and is as healthy as possible.
To help you and your whole family breathe easier, we’ve outlined some of the most helpful tips to help you improve your indoor air quality this fall.
Do Some Regular Cleaning
Some of the most common indoor pollutants include dust and dander. As such, it’s a good idea to start your cleanup by using a damp cloth to wipe any dust away from ceiling fans, air registers, bathroom fans, and kitchen exhaust fans. Checking inside your ductwork is also recommended. If you notice cobwebs, dust, or any other form of debris at the entrance, then it’s likely that the rest of the ductwork inside is also dirty. In such cases, you may need to hire a professional to get it properly cleaned.
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help rid your home of allergens that have accumulated over time, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. This type of vacuum ensures that dust and dirt won’t get blown back out in the exhaust. For best results, vacuum twice a week and regularly change the filters.
Additionally, if you’re having guests over, make sure they remove their shoes before entering your home. You can also reduce the amount of dirt and other pollutants that get tracked inside by placing a large mat at every door.
Change Your Filters
When homeowners read “filters,” they almost always think about their AC filter. However, your AC isn’t the only equipment in your house that uses filters to keep the air clean. In order to be more thorough, be sure to check the filters in your other household appliances. If your home has a kitchen vent and a clothes dryer, then it’s important to have these filters inspected and maintained periodically.
Control Humidity in Your Home
Often, humid and moist conditions breed mold and mildew that can not only lead to poor indoor air quality but even trigger respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. It’s recommended to keep the humidity between 30% and 50% as anything below or above is too dry or too moist.
Luckily, there are a few effective ways that can help you control your home’s humidity. This includes having a few well-placed dehumidifiers. Additionally, make sure that air conditioning drip pans and drain lines are clean and unobstructed. Don’t over water your houseplants if you have any, and vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
Test for Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas, and it comes from naturally decaying uranium that is found in soil. Unfortunately, virtually any home can have a radon problem, which can have major implications. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Fortunately, testing for radon is easy, inexpensive, and only takes a few minutes of your time. Furthermore, even if you do discover a radon problem, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to help reduce the levels of radon gas in your home.
Steer Clear of Commercial Air Fresheners
They may smell nice, but did you know that many commercial air freshening products contain dangerous ingredients called volatile organic compounds? These compounds are linked to causing hazardous and life-threatening conditions in animals. Furthermore, it’s also hard to determine whether a particular product contains these volatile compounds since manufacturers aren’t required to list specific fragrance ingredients.
As such, it’s recommended to avoid commercial air fresheners whenever possible. Instead, opt for making your natural air fresheners with essential oils as these are not only healthier but will help save you more money in the long run.
Look After Your HVAC System
Your HVAC plays a critical role in improving the air quality of your home. When maintained properly, it filters the air circulating your home and brings in fresh air from the outside. However, it can be easy to forget annual maintenance services, leading to hampered performance and less-than-stellar air quality.
You can avoid this by checking the filters for your heating and air conditioning system at least once a month and changing them when they get dirty. At Summit Heating & A/C, we recommend scheduling a checkup and preventative maintenance service from a professional at least once a year. To get your indoor air quality clean and prepared for winter, you may contact us today to schedule a checkup.
Open Your Windows
If no one in the family is sensitive to fall allergens, this season is an excellent time to air out your house and let some fresh air in. Fall provides you with an opportunity to refresh your indoor air naturally, so open your windows and let fresh air circulate through the house. By doing so, you can help rid your home of stagnant air that’s possibly already contaminated with various kinds of pollutants. You can then replace it with much cleaner air. Additionally, letting in the fresh air will help provide ventilation around the house, helping you save energy and money on the utility bills.
Bring in Nature
Aside from purifiers and humidifiers, bringing a plant indoors can also help improve your indoor air quality. In fact, did you know that a single houseplant can help eliminate toxic chemicals like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde?
When choosing a plant, opt for an aloe vera, spider plant, English ivy, or bamboo palm. Alternatively, Chinese evergreens, dragon trees, and peace lilies are also great choices. These are proven to act as living air purifiers that absorb chemical pollutants released by all kinds of synthetic materials. They also help provide oxygen for you to breathe.
Outstanding and Affordable Indoor Air Quality Services
This fall, make sure that a professional gets your home ready for winter. For more information about improving your home’s indoor air quality, reach out to us at Summit Heating & A/C today to schedule a checkup.
Proudly serving the Denver, CO, area since 1998, we provide indoor air quality services to make sure that you have clean air circulating. We also offer outstanding heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services. This means that whether you need an emergency furnace repair, a brand-new water heater installed, looking to improve your home’s air filtration system, or looking to do some preventative maintenance on your HVAC unit, our certified and friendly experts are always available to help.
Contact us today to learn more about what you can do to improve your home.
