While most people associate air pollution with the outdoors due to car exhaust and industrial emissions, indoor air may be just as contaminated or worse than what we experience outside. Common contaminants that may be present in any house in San Elizario, TX, include dust, pollen, pesticides, radon and volatile organic compounds. Here are several ways to improve indoor air quality, so household members can breathe easily and can avoid the health issues associated with pollutants.
Change Your Filters Regularly
Your HVAC system works to maintain the desired temperature all year long. While it’s running, the air filter captures and accumulates contaminants to the extent that it can no longer clean the air as efficiently as it should. Even worse, when you turn on the air conditioner, it might begin to recirculate the contaminants throughout the house, reducing the indoor air quality.
This is why you need to change the filters every two to three months. If you have pets or if any of your household members suffer from allergies, change the filters more often.
Keep the House Clean
Cleaning your house will also help improve indoor air quality. It helps prevent the accumulation of dust particles or pet dander on the floor or other surfaces. Vacuum rugs and carpets often, at least twice each week.
Mop the floor to pick up any dirt particles left behind by the vacuum cleaner. Also, clean bedding, curtains and drapes since they tend to attract allergens.
Check all the household cleaning agents you use to make sure they don’t contain chemical-based components that emit volatile organic compounds. Where possible, use natural cleaning agents like lemon or vinegar.
Clear clutter since it can trap dust, too. Additionally, placemats in front of your doors to reduce the circulation of contaminants throughout your house from people’s shoes.
Control the Humidity Level
Humid conditions attract biological contaminants, which can trigger respiratory issues like asthma. Hot summer months bring about high humidity levels in the house.
Indoor relative humidity should be 30% to 40%. When the humidity level in San Elizario, TX, gets unpleasant, you need to have a professional install a dehumidifier in your house to bring the humidity level down. It’s a good idea to have a dehumidifier installed in the spring when technicians are less likely to be busy handling emergency calls.
Install an Air Purifier
If you’re allergic to indoor contaminants, and you can’t control the source of such elements in your house, invest in a good air purifier. For instance, if you live with a shedding pet that you aren’t willing to give up, using a whole-home air purifier like the REME HALO® will help capture the pet dander and minimize irritation.
The purifier will kill bacteria and viruses present in the air to create a healthier environment. This device also helps eliminate bad odors, further improving your air quality.
Improve Ventilation
Allowing outdoor air to flow into your house helps improve air quality. Open the windows from time to time to let in fresh air, which drives out air pollutants and excess moisture.
Your kitchen is a significant source of indoor contaminants since the stove emits some smoke particulate while you’re cooking. Use a range hood fan to drive out smoke and steam. Alternatively, open the kitchen windows and use a vent fan to suck out fumes.
If you live in a crowded area, the air outside might be potentially toxic. As suggested by Energy Saver, determine the least busy hours to ventilate your house, such as late at night or early in the morning.
By making a few updates and adopting regular cleaning habits, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality. Although there are some tasks that you can manage, complex projects like dehumidifier installation require professional assistance. If you need help to improve your indoor air quality, call our team at Scott Heating & Cooling today to book an appointment.
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