Clean, Seal, And Protect with True Climate Heat + Air!
Indoor air quality is critical to human health. Think about it: everything that is in that air you breathe enters your lungs and into your bloodstream. Poor indoor air quality can irritate the throat and lungs, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Polluted indoor air is even known to contribute to heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer.
The good news is, that there are steps you can take today to improve the indoor air quality of your home. Listed below are our top eight tips to improve indoor air quality and help you breathe better!
Replace Your Air Filter.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the air filter is often forgotten and neglected. A dirty, clogged filter not only fails to trap dust and debris but also makes the HVAC system work harder to distribute air. Each filter is labeled with a lifespan, anywhere from 1 month to 3 months. For best results, replace the filter within that recommended timeframe.
Get A Tune-Up.
Have the furnace and air conditioner inspected and tuned up at least once a year. Part of every tune-up is a deep clean. Our HVAC technician will vacuum and clean the interior of the furnace or air conditioner, where dust and debris hide. Getting routine tune-ups will keep that filth from circulating through your home.
Inspect Your Ductwork for Leaks.
Residential air ducts are mostly hidden behind walls and under floors, so it’s difficult to know what condition they are in. Cracked and leaking ductwork can negatively affect your indoor air quality by drawing in pollutants from outside the system.
Monitor Humidity Levels.
For ideal indoor air quality, the environment should have a certain level of humidity. Not enough humidity (dry air) can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, while too much humidity can foster the growth of harmful mold and mildew. To ensure the perfect balance, install a humidistat to monitor humidity levels, and use a humidifier or dehumidifier to adjust as needed.
Ensure Proper Ventilation.
It may seem counterintuitive, but fresh air from outside is vital to indoor air quality. To ensure ideal airflow throughout your home, make sure all external intake and exhaust vents are free of blockages and debris, including leaves, snow, and ice. Use the vents in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moist or smoky air. And when weather permits, open your windows to catch a breeze.
Install An Air Purifier And/or Sanitizer.
There are many different types of air purifiers and air sanitizers. Some can be attached directly to the HVAC unit, while others are freestanding. Air purifiers cycle air and filter out particulates and pollutants, especially pollen, dander, and smoke. Air sanitizers use UV light to kill harmful viruses and bacteria. Both can significantly improve indoor air quality.
Choose Low-VOC And Fragrance Free Products.
Pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one of the biggest factors affecting indoor air quality. VOCs are the carrying agent used in paint and cleaning supplies. To improve the indoor air quality in your home, choose low-VOC paint, and natural, fragrance-free cleaning products.
Add Plants.
Just like trees do for the environment, houseplants cycle the air and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. Consider adding plants to your kitchen, bedroom, living room, or even the bathroom. Some of the best plants to help improve indoor air quality are areca palms, pygmy palms, spider plants, chrysanthemums, rubber plants, and Boston ferns.
Air duct cleaning, air duct sealing, and air filter replacement are some of the best steps you can take to improve indoor air quality for the health of your family. Contact a trusted local HVAC company to schedule an appointment and for more assistance with improving indoor air quality at home.
Rely on True Climate Heat + Air!
With over 20 years in the business, the team at True Climate Heat + Air has vast experience helping folks in Oklahoma City, OK, and Edmond, OK improve their indoor air quality. For expert advice on improving indoor air quality, rely on True Climate Heat + Air!
