When we think of air pollution, we have images of cars idling in traffic or factories billowing smoke. While we are aware of outdoor air pollution, we don’t often think of indoor air pollution. Improving indoor air quality during the summer can be just as challenging as improving outdoor air quality.
Here are some tips for improving indoor air quality.
Utilize an Air Purifier
Pollutants—such as tobacco smoke, burning wood, cleaning products gases, building materials, dust mites, mold, and pet dander—contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment with ill effects on human health. Air purifiers are an ideal way to improve your home’s indoor air quality, removing indoor allergens and helping trap and kill germs that cause illnesses like colds, flu, and strep throat.
Make Sure Your AC Filter is Clean
Air filters work by trapping allergens and pollutants flowing through your ductwork, keeping you from breathing them in. Once the filter is packed, it becomes difficult for your A/C system to work as it should. Try to clean or replace filters every three months or less.
Clean the Air Ducts
One of the significant sources of indoor air pollutants is inside your home — your HVAC system’s ducts. Air ducts are a warehouse of dust, cat dander, rodent droppings, among other contaminants. Air ducts can be more problematic if you have an older home. Think about how many years (or decades) the air ducts have harbored these sources of airborne pollution and distributed them around your home.
Consider having your home’s HVAC ducts inspected and cleaned regularly. A professional cleaning will reduce pollutants in your home, and clean vents distribute air more efficiently, minimizing the load on your HVAC system and saving you money as well.
Limit Humidity in Your Home
The summer humidity increases outside, and it also increases inside. With damp indoor air, there’s an increased likelihood of mold growth. Mold can be a significant respiratory irritant.
There are ways to naturally dehumidify your home, including opening doors, using plants and ceiling fans. Another path to dehumidify your home is to use a whole-home dehumidifier installed in your HVAC system. Dehumidifiers work in the background to keep the humidity level in your home under control all the time, with no work or attention required from you.
Air Rescue is the best choice for heating, ventilation, A/C repair, or installation needs for residential and commercial customers in the greater Tampa Bay area. Our service and pricing guarantee ensures that we offer you the most competitive pricing and 100% satisfaction. Visit our website, contact us, or call us at 813.612.600.
Sources:
https://www.accoastal.com/summer-indoor-air-pollution-affects-homes-air-quality/
https://www.strategiesonline.net/8-ways-to-keep-air-quality-cool-and-clean-inside-your-home-for-the-summer/
https://stackheating.com/6-tips-better-indoor-air-quality-summer/
https://teamenoch.com/blog/7-ways-improve-home-air-quality/