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When we think about air pollution, we typically associate it with the air outside of our homes; however, research reveals that the air inside our homes may be up to five times more contaminated than the air outside of it. This is largely due to better insulation and the increasing use of cleaning products that typically consist of harsh chemicals.
If you’re like most homeowners, you’re interested in learning the different ways to improve indoor air quality in an attempt to keep you and your family as healthy as possible. After all, your house serves as a safe haven and a barrier between you and the outside world. However, you may be living in the presence of unseen dangers, such as indoor air pollution, which may lead to unexplained illnesses. Carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, pet dander, and cigarette smoke are examples of contaminants. Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has can amplify underlying health issues such as asthma, heart disease, or respiratory disorders. Improving indoor air quality is something every homeowner should consider, which is why we have compiled the top 7 ways to improve the air quality in your home.
Chemical air fresheners may have a pleasant scent, but they often include hazardous chemicals that damage Indoor Air Quality. A review of “scented consumer products” revealed over 100 distinct Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), according to a paper published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
The federal government considers several of the VOCs found in the survey to be hazardous. Many of the products examined were branded as “green,” “organic,” or “natural,” which may surprise you. Although the researchers did not investigate the effects of these compounds, the publication adds that they received feedback from people who experienced “a range of respiratory, dermatological, and nephrological symptoms.”
The safest option is to use naturally fragrant products (rather than aerosol spray “fresheners”) or to boil cinnamon or cloves in a saucepan on the stove. You may also utilize air-purifying plants like a peace lily or bamboo plant, as well as essential oil diffusers. Some of the aromatic herbal extracts may even have medical benefits, allowing you to freshen up your house while also potentially boosting your general health. Additionally, by releasing negative ions into the air, beeswax candles are believed to act as an air cleaner.
One of the most effective methods to improve indoor air quality at home is to get an air purifier. By eliminating up to 99.7% of airborne particles bigger than 0.3 microns, a HEPA air purifier can usually offer the cleaning you need for healthy, fresh air. Air purifiers that employ activated charcoal or UV lamps can improve their efficiency. However, ozone-generating purifiers, such as ozone generators and ionizers, are not advised for indoor usage.
There are a variety of sizes to select from for your home. Smaller purifiers, such as the Finn HEPA UV Air Purifier, can be purchased for individual bedrooms. Pay attention to crucial parameters like the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), the types of filters utilized, and the warranty terms while reading air purifier reviews.
There are air purifiers that link directly to your central air system. To make the right choice, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about how Tony Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you.
Mold, mildew, and dust mites thrive in wet environments as well as certain bugs, such as cockroaches. To avoid all of these pollutants and bugs and enhance indoor air quality, you must keep your home dry and clean. An air purifier can help you get rid of the mold in your house created by moisture.
You can buy specific equipment that scans the air and offers moisture information if you’re unsure about the humidity level in your home.
Dehumidifiers are popular instruments for preventing moist conditions in the air. Dehumidifiers work by trapping moisture in a tiny container, which must be emptied on a regular basis. A dehumidifier can help damp places like basements, bathrooms, cellars, or homes in high-humidity zones, but these units don’t clean the air; they just remove moisture.
Ventilation and air movement can also assist with house humidity, particularly if the humidity is originating from within the home, such as a steamy shower or an inefficient dryer vent. (As opposed to external factors such as humid weather.) If the moisture is coming from inside, open the windows and turn on the fans to help reduce the humidity.
Keep a well-maintained overhead ventilation system above the stove since smoke might be generated in the kitchen from overheated oil or burned food. Cleaning the overhead filter on a regular basis is one of the most vital duties. Cleaning the filter includes soaking, scrubbing, baking soda, dish soap, and hot water.
Use unscented, natural, non-toxic candles around the house, and if you use a fireplace, use cured or dried wood and make sure the chimney is well ventilated. It goes without saying that smoking is not encouraged from within the home.
Chemicals and allergens build up in your home as dust collects. At least twice a week, sweep or use a vacuum to remove dust from the floor and carpets. Choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to prevent dust from being dispersed back into the room, and remember to clean the filter. After, mop the floor with plain water to remove any dust left behind by the vacuum or broom.
Dusting is required not just on the floor, but also on your walls, furniture, and appliances. Dusting your ceiling fans is also crucial and should be done at least once or twice a month.
Dust mites and a variety of other allergens accumulate in fabrics. The presence of these pollutants can have a significant negative impact on indoor air quality. All textiles, including curtains, couch and chair coverings, carpets, and rugs, must be cleaned on a regular basis to keep them at bay.
Use hot water, as hot as feasible, at temperatures over 130 degrees for laundering curtains or furniture covers. Also, before using new textiles, wash them to eliminate any residue from the chemicals that were used to make them. The fabric’s life may be extended by washing away these pollutants.
Consider getting your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned at least once a year, or renting a powerful carpet cleaning machine to do it yourself.
Air ducts are an important component of your HVAC system because they assist in the distribution of hot and cold air throughout your house. Unfortunately, keeping common home pollutants like dust and dander out of the ducts may be virtually impossible. These allergens can accumulate in the air ducts over time and then spread throughout your home when hot and cold air is distributed. Airborne pollutants from unconditioned rooms might also be pulled into your air supply if the ducts aren’t properly sealed and maintained.
Request an air duct examination from a reputable local HVAC professional as your first step. Whether you need simple repairs or a new HVAC system, working with the best HVAC company is crucial when it comes to improving your indoor air quality. Tony Kelly HVAC Inc. is known in Tallahassee and the neighboring areas as the top HVAC installation business. New customers can see that our reputation in the region speaks for itself with over 680 5-Star Google reviews.
Improve your indoor air quality TODAY and trust Tony Kelly HVAC Inc. as your HVAC contractor in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. We are a family-owned and run company that was started in 2001 by Tony Kelly, a Navy veteran who wanted to spend his retirement helping to make people’s homes more comfortable. Our goal is to give our clients old-fashioned, high-quality customer service and to make them as comfortable as possible. We are regarded as a model of excellence and are well-known for providing exceptional customer service and cutting-edge HVAC solutions to our clients. Call or text us NOW at 850-792-4488 to learn more about how Tony Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning and let us assist you.
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Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-385-3774
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