We all consider our homes safe spaces, and for good reason. When you think of home, most likely you associate it with comfort and peace of mind. Unfortunately, if you’re suffering from poor indoor air quality, those two things have flown right out the window, along with your clean air! The good news is there are measures you can take to restore your health and your comfort. Here are five easy ways to improve indoor air quality.
1. Change your air filter regularly.
Can you remember the last time you switched out your HVAC air filter with a new one? If not, no wonder your indoor air quality is poor! Air filters are designed to prevent dust and debris from entering your home. After extended use, the filter can no longer do its job efficiently, which means all the detritus you were trying to keep out is slipping right into your home.
Another harmful side effect of a dirty air filter is restricted air flow. This forces your HVAC system to kick into overdrive just to keep up with your comfort demands. Not only will this increase your monthly utility bill, you may also have to replace your system much earlier than you intended. The best thing you can do for your health and your home is to change your air filter every 30 to 60 days. Check your manufacturer’s guide for specific dates.
2. Let more fresh air inside.
Most homes built today are so tightly sealed that little outside air can make its way in. It doesn’t help that fabrics, furniture, paints and other materials can release harmful toxins into your home. When you combine a sealed home with aerosol sprays, solvents, chlorides, wood preservatives, plastics and the like, what you end up with is poor indoor air quality. We recommend letting in fresh air on a regular basis to help dilute the toxic indoor air.
3. Schedule an appointment to have your ducts cleaned.
If you or a family member has allergies, it’s recommended that your ducts be cleaned every two years. Over time, your ducts will experience a build-up of hair, pet dander, dust, pollen, mold, and in some cases, even animal droppings. The last thing you want is to breathe in all this stuff. Our licensed and experienced technicians have the equipment and know-how needed to perform top-notch duct cleaning services. Just give us a call!
4. Introduce houseplants.
There are tons of indoor plants that can help improve your indoor air quality, and as a bonus, they will add to your décor. Some of our favorites include Peace Lily, Dracaena, Snake Plant and Aloe. If you have any pets, however, you’ll want to choose plants that are non-toxic to them. Check out this article on pet-friendly plants from Better Homes & Gardens!
5. Clean your home regularly.
We know this isn’t exactly a fun task, but we promise it’s worth it. All day long your home collects dust and pet dander. If you vacuum your carpet and area rugs even just once or twice a week, you will help reduce dust and dander accumulation. We recommend using vacuums with HEPA filters as they are more effective. Wash your bedding regularly as well, especially if you have pets that like to snuggle up with you.
6. Invest in an air purifier, and if necessary, a dehumidifier.
While vacuuming regularly is essential in reducing pollutants in your home, it’s not enough. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, adding an air purifier will allow you to rest at ease. If you’re not sure which air filter or dehumidifier will best suit your needs, we would be more than happy to assist you in the selection process. You can also check out unbiased reviews from Consumer Reports.
When it comes to finding easy ways to improve indoor air quality, make Action Air your go-to resource. We are here to help every step of the way so that you can get back to feeling good again. We truly want your home to continue being a safe space for you and your family. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to have your filter changed or would like to know more about our duct cleaning services, give us a call at 317-451-4371.
