Seven Ways to Tackle Indoor Air Pollution at Home
Most Americans spend nearly 90 percent of their time indoors, yet they rarely consider their air quality at home. Poor indoor air quality in Portage, MI increases respiratory symptoms and makes it easier to develop allergies or colds. Many air quality issues arise from your HVAC system, and it’s easier than you might think to address most of them. Here are seven ways you can start tackling indoor air pollution today:
- Control humidity: A little humidity prevents the harsh winter air from drying out your skin, but too much of it leads to mold and mildew growth. In most climates, you must watch out for humidity more in the summer than in the winter. If you ever faced a mold problem, consider placing dehumidifiers around the troublesome spots.
- Clean carpets: Carpets and rugs trap dirt and allergens. Vacuum floors at least every two weeks and shampoo rugs and carpet at least twice a year, or more often if a household member suffers respiratory conditions.
- Open your cooking vents: Many indoor air issues start in your kitchen. If you have gas appliances, they release fumes like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. You are not off the hook if you have an electric stove—even these produce pollutants, albeit at lower levels. Whenever you cook, open the kitchen vents and run a fan or open a window.
- Change furnace and AC filters: Your furnace and AC air filters keep debris out of your system and out of your house! When they become dirty, it decreases airflow and also adds more pollutants to your indoor air. Filters are easy to find and change. You can either check your owner’s manual, do it on your own or sign up for a maintenance service plan with your local HVAC technician.
- Check other air filters: The air filters in your HVAC system are essential, but that’s not the only place they are located! Vacuum cleaners, clothes dryers and kitchen vents all contain air filters. When you let them linger and merely collect dirt and allergens, they eventually release them back into your home. Set a calendar to inspect and replace these lesser-seen filters every few months. Also, if you notice the air smells stale, or you sneeze more after vacuuming, those are signs that an air filter somewhere in your home is no longer doing its job.
- Clean air ducts: Ductwork collects pet hair, dust, dirt and allergens. When ducts are improperly installed, they return those particles to the air and create a respiratory nightmare. Arrange to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned every year, or more frequently if you share your home with animals.
- Buy indoor plants: You may have air filters and other technology in your home, but plants are the low-tech clean air alternative. It only takes a few plants to enjoy fresher air indoors. Ferns and lilies thrive indoors, as do larger palm trees. These options are also best known for supporting indoor air quality.
All Brands Heating & Cooling offers HVAC system repair in Portage, MI that improves your indoor air quality. We can clean ductwork , replace air filters or upgrade your furnace or AC to something cleaner and more efficient. Call us today and start creating a healthier home.
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