Whether you’re dealing with dust issues, humidity problems, or chemical concerns in your Brooksville, Florida, home, you need to clear the air. Fortunately, this might not cost as much as you think. From upgrading your HVAC filter to using dust covers, discover six ways to improve indoor air quality without overspending.
Invest in Some Houseplants
You might think of indoor plants and flowers as mere decor, but many of them can help with keeping your home’s air clean. If you just want something small and green that doesn’t require much maintenance, try a spider plant or a Boston fern, both of which excel at eliminating formaldehyde and xylene, two harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Weeping figs grow to be much larger, but they’re durable and great at pulling trichloroethylene out of your home’s air supply. Garden mums also clear ammonia from the air while adding pops of color to your home.
Upgrade Your HVAC Filter
Next, focus your attention on your HVAC system. You should change the air filter at least every 90 days, but if you install a fresh filter every 30 days, your air will be cleaner than ever. HVAC filters only cost a few dollars, but keeping them clean is essential for optimal indoor air quality, as they remove dust, dirt, and debris from the air.
Don’t just replace the filter with an identical one. The Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. team recommends looking for a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) between 9 and 12. This type of filter will help your HVAC system run as efficiently as possible while keeping the air clean. Be sure to check on the manufacturer’s recommended MERV value for your system.
Take Your Cleaning Routine Up a Notch
If your home tends to have persistent dust issues, it’s time to take your cleaning routine up a notch or two. You can get dust under control by taking the time to dust, sweep, mop, and vacuum your home thoroughly once a week. For best results, clean the vacuum canister regularly and use a microfiber cloth to pick up as much dust as possible.
When cleaning countertops and tile surfaces, ditch the harsh cleaning products and use citrus, vinegar, and baking soda instead. Not only are natural products more cost effective, but they help you eliminate harsh cleaners and their VOCs from your home.
Start Using Dust Covers
While laundering bedding and vacuuming upholstered furniture can help with persistent dust issues, you might find that you need to use dust mite-proof covers, too. These covers zip around mattresses and pillowcases to prevent dust mites from taking refuge where you sleep. If your family members are among the countless Americans who are allergic to dust mites, they’ll thank you for this easy and affordable solution.
Increase Ventilation
There are many reasons your home could suffer from poor ventilation, from a tight building envelope to an inefficient HVAC system, but there are a few straightforward ways to resolve the problem. First, try turning on your ceiling fans to get the air flowing. In the summer, run them in a counterclockwise direction, and in the winter, run them in a clockwise direction for maximum efficiency.
If that doesn’t do the trick, talk with our team about installing an energy-recovery ventilator. These devices work with your HVAC system to flush stale air out while replacing it with fresh air. Since they’re designed to recover outgoing energy and reuse it to condition incoming energy, they’re also very cost effective.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
One of the most inexpensive indoor air quality investments you can make is also one of the most beneficial. Since you can’t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, you need a detector to find traces of it in the air. Our team recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector on the upstairs and downstairs levels of your home, and you’ll especially need one outside the bedroom areas of your home. With a detector keeping watch over your home’s air quality, you can rest assured that you’ll know the moment this dangerous poses a threat.
From indoor air quality testing to installing new filters for your cooling system, our team is at your service. Call the HVAC professionals at Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., Inc. today: 866-881-5935.
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