How to improve indoor air quality is a question on many homeowners’ minds. Air quality inside your home can be compromised by lead, chemicals in household and commercial cleaners, radon, formaldehyde and a long list of irritating allergens. The offensive culprits can be tracked in on our shoes, flow in through air leaks in HVAC units or ductwork, or carried in on objects or packaging. Recent studies show the indoor air can be riskier health-wise than outdoor air. Since we spend most of our time inside, improving indoor air quality is important for our good health. Here are some tips on how to improve indoor air quality in your home:
- Proper ventilation – Be sure to install vents in kitchens and bathrooms to carry pollutants outside.
- Seal ductwork – Reduce the amount of allergens and dust particles that leak into your home by sealing leaks in your HVAC system.
- Regular maintenance – Improper maintenance can allow grime to accumulate around components of your heating and air conditioning system and allow them to circulate throughout your home when the system is in use. Changing your air filter regularly can also keep allergens out.
- Install a germicidal UV light – Kill pollutants at the source before they make their way into your home with an in-system ultraviolet light.
- Place a mat at entrances – Welcome guests but ask them to wipe their feet or even remove shoes before entering.
- Smoke outside – Secondhand smoke increases the risk of many health problems. Keep your home a smoke-free zone.
- Keep humidity levels around 30 to 50 percent – Mold and dust mites thrive on moisture. A dehumidifier can help keep humidity levels where they should be.
- Check for radon – Radon gas can increase your risk for lung cancer. Tests are easy and inexpensive.
- Maintenance agreements – These regular maintenance agreements include routine checkups by a qualified technician who can spot problems early before they can require costlier repairs.
Let the heating and cooling professionals at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. Inc. answer all your questions about how to improve indoor air quality, as well as other home comfort questions. We proudly serve Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus and Marion counties.
