6 Tips to Enhance Indoor Air Quality
Most people associate air pollution with industrial cities or traffic. However, your home also has pollutants from manufactured chemicals like personal care products, pesticides, and cleaning supplies or particulate matters from cooking, construction sites, or unpaved roads. Indoor allergens can trigger respiratory issues like a cough, dry throat, or runny nose. Below are things you can do to improve your home’s air quality.
Change AC Filters
The air filter in your AC system may seem small and insignificant, but it plays an integral role in maintaining indoor air quality. This component prevents pollutants like pet dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen from circulating in your house.
Over time, contaminants accumulate in the filter and restrict its ability to clean the air. Dirty filters also restrict airflow and cause the AC to work harder to cool the house. The result of an inefficient air conditioning and heating system is high electricity bills.
The frequency of air filter changes depends on the number of people and pets in the house and the level of pollution in the neighborhood. For instance, change your filters frequently if you live close to a construction site or if a household member has allergies. Most AC experts recommend swapping air filters after three months.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Polluted air ducts are a major cause of poor indoor air quality. No matter how clean your home is, contaminants like dirt, dust mites, and animal dander still circulate your AC system. Cleaning the air ducts is an excellent way to eliminate these pollutants and boost AC efficiency.
An AC contractor cleans various components during an air duct cleaning, including the return and supply air ducts and registers, fan housing and fan motor, grilles and diffusers, and condensate drain pans. The professional uses specialized equipment to loosen debris and a high-powered vacuum cleaner to vacuum the dirt out.
Clean the House
Cleaning your home is the simplest way to reduce indoor contaminants. When you buy a vacuum cleaner, check for a HEPA filter as it minimizes common allergens like dust and pet dander. Vacuum the carpet and area rugs once or twice a week or switch the wall-to-wall carpeting to hardwood floors.
Another tip is to clean bedding, throws, drapes, and other items that absorb pollutants in water that is at least 130°F. Keeping a clutter-free house also keeps the levels of contaminants down.
Control the Humidity
Damp conditions in the bathrooms and basements encourage mold growth and affect indoor air quality. Well-placed dehumidifiers and humidifiers maintain desired humidity levels and enhance your home’s comfort. Proper ventilation is also crucial in controlling humidity, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Leave windows open and turn vent fans on if there is excess moisture in these rooms.
Limit Scented Products
Most aerosol sprays, scented candles, and diffusers have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. These compounds lower indoor air quality and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. VOCs are also present in personal care products, paints, and cleaning solutions. Buy fragrance-free and organic products and avoid aerosol sprays to reduce the number of VOCs in your residence.
Schedule AC Maintenance
The condition of your home’s AC impacts the indoor air quality. Over time, the system accumulates dirt and debris, while wear and tear reduce the AC’s efficiency.
During AC maintenance, the experts clean the system, inspect various components, perform repairs, and lubricate moving parts, among other tasks. You can look forward to fresher air and improved comfort.
Many homes in the U.S. have more indoor contaminants than the outdoors. Luckily, an AC contractor can enhance your indoor air quality through regular maintenance and inspection. Call Baton Rouge Air Conditioning and Heating today for a fresh breath of air.
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