According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, where some pollutants are 2 to 5 times more concentrated than they are outdoors. If you are one of those Americans, chances are you are exposed to certain pollutants such as mold, pesticide, lead and pet dander. These pollutants are harmful for you and your family as they can lead to various allergic reactions. However, there are some effective ways to improve indoor air quality by limiting these indoor pollutants. Keep reading for some helpful tips from the pros at Action Air!
Ductwork Maintenance
The ductwork in your home is an important component of your air conditioning system. It transfers cool air throughout your home in the heat and warm air in the colder months. The return ducts usually remove air for heating or air conditioning and the supply ducts bring back filtered air into your home. If there are any leaks, gaps or cracks in your ductwork, there is a chance that unconditioned air is getting in the ducts and making its way back indoors. In addition, if your ductwork is dirty and full of dust and debris (pests can also make their way inside ducts), you will have to get it cleaned. Some ducts have been known to gather up to 4 inches of dust and pollen. Since ductwork is often located in hard-to-reach places, it is best to have an HVAC technician you trust come inspect your ducts for leaks and signs of dirt.
Consistently Clean Up
You’re not going to need a professional or technician for this. All you need is a couple cleaning tools and a strong desire to maintain a clean, pollutant-free home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re cleaning up!
- Use the Vacuum Often
Take some time every weekend to vacuum your home. Dust, pet dander and pollen tend to sneak in and cause allergic reactions, especially if you or someone in your family is susceptible to allergies.
- Change Sheets
If you haven’t changed your sheets in a while, go ahead and change them now. It’s best to clean and change your sheets every two weeks or at least every month. Dead skin and dust mites can accumulate on your bed sheets very quickly.
- Use a Mop
Sometimes just using a vacuum might not cut it. Use a mop to clean up any left-over dust or pollen that your vacuum did not pick up.
- Take Off Your Shoes
If you bring your shoes inside, you are also bringing mud, pollutants and pesticides in your home. To prevent any dirt getting on your floor, carpet or rugs, keep a shoe rack next to your front door to keep your shoes stacked away.
- Clean Up Your Fans
Yes, you read it right. It’s important to clean up your fans. If you look at your ceiling fans closely, you will notice a lot of dust and cobwebs accumulating on the blades. Use a vacuum brush, duster or damp cloth to clean up your ceiling fan’s blades.
Use a Dehumidifier
This is especially important if you live in a more humid climate. Mold can grow in your home if there is excess humidity and moisture. Maintaining your home’s humidity between 30 to 50 percent is ideal for keeping moisture under control and preventing mold growth.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
As we mentioned before, pet dander can be a cause for allergies and can significantly impact your home’s indoor air quality. By grooming the furry occupants in your home, you can prevent the accumulation of fur and dander. How often you groom your pet depends on their breed type, their coat and how dirty they usually get.
Maintain Your IAQ With Action Air
We hope this list of ways to improve indoor air quality is helpful. If you want more suggestions on how to maintain your indoor air quality, get in touch with the pros at Action Air! Call us today at 317-451-4371 or schedule and appointment online!
