Easy Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can have immediate and long-term effects on your family’s health. From seasonal allergies and asthma attacks to elevated cancer and heart disease risks, your health is our top priority. That's why we're here to help you seek cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality in your Central Florida home.
Addressing polluted indoor air doesn’t have to be costly or daunting! Follow these simple tips to identify the causes of airborne irritants and lower your risk of poor indoor air quality.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
Improving indoor air quality requires a considered, holistic approach, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Here are five ways to breathe better quickly!
1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.
Avoid using harsh cleaning products and restrict the use of paints and solvents to the outdoors. If you must paint inside, always keep the windows open and use fans to circulate air. When you're in the market for furniture, look for furniture that does not have VOCs. Keep your home and its contents clean through regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the best (and easiest) ways to tackle biological sources of airborne irritants!
2. Increase ventilation and airflow.
Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Read more: A Guide to Whole House Ventilation.
3. Maintain your HVAC system.
Your heating and cooling system is crucial in maintaining indoor air quality. A well-maintained system is your best defense against poor air quality. In addition to regular maintenance, it's important to replace your air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re unsure how often to swap out your filter, consult your furnace or boiler’s owner’s manual. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often to ensure optimal air quality.
4. Control humidity.
High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may exacerbate allergy symptoms. To maintain healthy indoor quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50%.
Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.
5. Invest in an air purifier.
Air purifiers, whether portable or whole-home systems, are sound investments in improving indoor air quality. They can greatly reduce airborne contaminants, especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can provide significant health benefits, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
What Is Indoor Air Pollution?
Indoor air pollution includes airborne irritants present at various levels in most homes. Airborne contaminants include a range of natural and artificial particulates, including:
- Dust mites
- Formaldehyde
- Mold and mildew
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Notably, these compounds are present in most households but become dangerous when the number of irritants exceeds an acceptable level. In most cases, indoor air contaminants are measured in parts per million (ppm), which indicates the concentration of irritants in the home.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Organic and chemical indoor air pollutants are caused by different sources inside and outside your home. The concentration of these airborne particulates ultimately impacts the severity of symptoms, and it’s important to remember that concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of a new source of pollution.
Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
It might surprise you to learn that common household products are a common source of chemical-based indoor air pollutants. Paint, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture are common sources of VOCs.
Another chemical, radon, is a natural radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground.
Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
The most common sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Biological sources of indoor air pollution include pets (dander and hair), dust mites, and, yes, dead skin.
Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants
Outdoor air quality can also significantly impact your home's indoor air quality. Households near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or wildfires are at an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution from these sources can enter your home through small cracks or open windows, underscoring the importance of proper ventilation and air purification to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
Seasonal allergens and pollen are also outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!
Enjoy Better Indoor Air Quality with Regular HVAC Service
Indoor air quality is important for overall health. As your local HVAC expert, we can help you proactively improve indoor air quality with reliable service and trustworthy recommendations. Take control of your respiratory health and schedule service today.
Find Indoor Air Quality Services in New Smyrna, St. Augustine, and Beyond
Advanced Air Home Services is your trusted partner for all your indoor air quality needs in the Edgewater and Daytona Beach areas. Let our friendly, professional technicians identify cost-effective ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality and prevent unexpected HVAC issues. Let’s get started! Contact us online or call 386-260-2330 to schedule an appointment!