Air Quality in Your Home
This year, we have spent more time indoors. While some of us are looking to tackle things we don’t usually have time to do. Others are working from home full time. Is your home as comfortable as you’d like it to be? It should be a place to relax and rejoice. However, for some, it’s not. If you find yourself feeling sniffly and sneezy, air quality may be to blame. It’s time to fix up your living space.
But how, you ask?
This month, we will help you find new ways to improve your indoor air.
The air quality in your home is essential to comfort. In fact, it’s more than just a comfort issue. Low air quality is linked to severe health problems. So, as we spend more time in our homes, we should start to think more about the air quality. It is easier than you may think. By tweaking a few things, we can increase the comfort levels in our homes.
However, the real question remains:
How do you clean something you cannot see?
The answer is easy. First, remove possible culprits. Secondly, keep up with house cleaning. It is as simple as that. Aside from those two things, we have a few other tips and tricks for you. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your home.
Removing Indoor Air Pollution
The best way to remove indoor air pollutions is to remove contaminants at the site. This means finding out where your issues are hiding. For example, address any leaks in the home. Water leaks contribute to mould and dampness. Both of these things can trigger air quality issues.
On the other hand, humidity also plays a part in the dampness of your home. Avoid high humidity!
You can reduce it by:
- Using bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans – Keep on for 30 minutes after you are done as well.
- Invest in a dehumidifier. Removing water from the air is essential to air quality.
- Open your curtains or blinds. When you keep them closed, condensation forms.
With these easy steps, you’ll be on your way. However, if you find mould, it needs to be removed. Sometimes, it can be done by yourself. For small areas, use soap and water. Stay away from bleach. Although some people suggest it, you’ll only add more pollutants to your air.
For more challenging spots, the area might need to be removed. But, call in a professional. Mould is not something to mess around with. It’s better to be safe. Any mould is proven to be unsafe. Therefore, it’s a crucial part of improving air quality.
Improve Air Quality by Improving Ventilation
Another critical thing to consider is ventilation in your home. Not sure where to start? First, think about airflow. Do you have fresh air coming in? Wintertime proves to make this more challenging. Although you can do this by:
- Open windows/doors when possible. Even small amounts of fresh air will help. So, crack your windows when you can. Alternatively, ceiling fans work wonders. It could be worth the investment. No one likes a “stale” room.
- Avoid clutter and allow the air to flow throughout your home. For instance, keep furniture and bedding away from the walls.
- Choose HVAC units that work with your home. Some companies have systems built-in to help airflow. Ask your local HVAC team to be sure.
Keeping it Clean Indoors
Now, it’s about more than just clutter. However, that’s an excellent place to start. As we mentioned, removing clutter increases airflow. Which, in turn, improves air quality. Yet, you might have to step up your cleaning game a bit.
First and foremost, pay attention to your floors. Dust and debris tend to collect there first. Instead of using a broom, try a damp mop. That way, you aren’t sending particles into the air. Often, sweeping sends dust back into your atmosphere. So trap the dust when you can.
Additionally, vacuum when you can. Don’t forget those hard to reach areas! Investing in a high-end vacuum is also proven to improve air quality.
Check out the 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021.
Lastly, we remind you to change your bedding often. When you make your bed in the morning, dust particles become trapped. Therefore, it’s vital to keep up with when you change your bedding. Every two weeks is the recommendation.
If it helps, make a schedule. Not only does this keep you accountable, but it keeps your home cleaner. Make time for a deep clean. If you are worried about your air quality, this is a perfect place to start.
HVAC and Air Quality
People don’t realize that the air in your home could be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoors. Especially now that we are spending so much time inside. Outside, there are natural filters such as UV rays and plants. However, indoors, we have to rely on our HVAC to help us out.
Above all, keeping your air filter clean should be at the top of your list. This simple task will help more than you think. Remember to switch it out every few months if you aren’t sure how to give us a call. We would be happy to show you how easy it is!
Keep in mind – if your air filter is dirty, the air in your home will be as well. If you are looking for some pointers, The Home Depot gives a step by step guide on How to Change an Air Filter.
Lastly, the HVAC running in your home needs to be up to par. This means proper ventilation, as well as proper installation. If you just bought your home, there could be issues from the previous owners. It’s worth getting your home inspected by an HVAC technician to ensure your home runs efficiently and safely.
Give us a call if you are looking to increase your air quality through the HVAC in your home. Now more than ever, we need to focus on the air we are breathing indoors. Please don’t wait until it’s too late.
Make your space as comfortable as it should be by increasing the air quality in your home today!