Indoor air pollution isn’t a common topic of discussion. Nonetheless, the air in your home may contain high concentrations of biological pollutants and chemicals from cleaning products. Other contaminants include tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, varnishes, pressed wood, dry-cleaned clothing, and other sources. You may not realize it, but indoor air quality in your Clifton Park, NY, home may affect your family’s comfort, health, and well-being.
Fortunately, there are several ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). We’ll explain a few steps to take if you frequently experience sinus or respiratory symptoms, allergies, headaches, fatigue, or other signs of exposure to IAQ pollutants or if an air quality test finds a problem. Here are eight ways you can improve your home’s indoor air quality:
1. Change Your HVAC Filter
Check your air filter once a month and change it every three months or sooner if necessary. An HVAC filter captures dust and debris. If it gets clogged, particulates and allergens can be blown into the air. A dirty filter also reduces an HVAC system’s efficiency and can cause it to overheat.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
Dust and vacuum your home regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration; this captures fine particles and prevents dust and dirt from blowing back into the air. Make sure to clean floors, rugs, carpets, furniture, blinds, curtains, countertops, and all other surfaces. Good cleaning habits can improve indoor air quality in a Clifton Park home.
3. Avoid Chemical-Based Cleaning Products
Many consumer cleaning agents and air fresheners contain VOCs and harmful chemicals. Both aerosols and liquids can have ingredients such as sulfates, chlorine, trichloroethylene, and sodium hydroxide, among many others. Avoid such products and bleach-based solutions. Hypoallergenic and even homemade cleaners can be just as effective.
4. Improve Ventilation
Letting outdoor air in can reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Your HVAC system may not bring in fresh air. However, you can open windows and doors to let fresh, clean air into your home. If you have a window air conditioner, open the vent control to do so. Running a kitchen or bathroom fan exhausts contaminants from the room and increases ventilation.
5. Increase Ventilation When Engaging in Pollution-Generating Activities
Ventilate your home whenever you cook, paint, wax a floor, or use a kerosene heater, fireplace, or wood-burning stove. Welding, sanding, soldering, and other activities associated with hobbies and maintenance can also contribute to IAQ issues. So, properly ventilate the room when performing these tasks.
6. Take Your Shoes Off at the Front Door
The soles of your shoes collect dirt, germs, and various contaminants you don’t want in your home. Anything on the ground can stick to shoes and be tracked inside. Take your shoes off before entering your home to avoid polluting surfaces and the air and, in some cases, prevent allergy symptoms or illnesses.
7. Buy Houseplants
Houseplants look great and create a more soothing environment. They also remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. Thus, plants provide a natural means to achieve cleaner and fresher air at home.
8. Install an Air Purifier
An air purifier with a high-quality filter can remove a wide range of particles. It can also remove odors. There are many types of air cleaners. A simple tabletop model can remove some particles, but a whole-house system captures even smaller particulates. The system’s effectiveness is determined based on how well it collects pollutants and how much air it can draw over time. The best systems have an efficient collection medium and high air-circulation rate.
Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Helps Improve Indoor Air Quality in Clifton Park, NY
The first step to achieving long-term IAQ improvements is to have the air in your home tested. We provide indoor air quality testing services to determine the cause of your symptoms and how to resolve the problem. Our professional team is available in Clifton Park, NY, and throughout the Albany area. Call (518) 240-3807 to schedule service.
