Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of our daily lives because we spend a significant amount of time indoors. Poor IAQ can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. As an HVAC company, we understand the importance of maintaining clean and healthy indoor air for our customers.
In this blog post, we will share 10 essential tips for improving indoor air quality, based on insights from HVAC experts. These tips are easy to implement and can make a significant difference in the quality of the air you breathe indoors.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
One of the most critical factors in maintaining good IAQ is ensuring that your HVAC system is well-maintained. Regular HVAC maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters, checking and cleaning air ducts, and inspecting the overall system for any issues, is essential to keep the system running efficiently. This helps with improving the air quality that is being circulated throughout your home.
As an HVAC company, we recommend scheduling professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year to ensure that your system is operating optimally and to prevent any potential IAQ issues.
Use High-Quality Air Filters
The type and quality of air filters you use in your HVAC system can significantly impact your indoor air quality. Choose high-quality air filters with at least an 8 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating to effectively capture airborne particles.
Regularly inspect and replace your air filters as per the manufacturer’s recommendations or as needed. Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and allow pollutants to circulate in your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
Regular cleaning of your home is essential to reduce the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other pollutants that can affect your IAQ. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture small particles effectively.
Dust and clean surfaces, such as countertops, shelves, and furniture, using microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters that can trap dust particles. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls, to prevent the spread of germs.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical to maintaining good IAQ. Ensure that your home is adequately ventilated by allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate indoors. Open windows and doors, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas to remove excess moisture, odors, and pollutants.
Control Humidity
Excess humidity in your home can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and other allergens, which can impact your IAQ. Use a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, to keep humidity levels below 50%.
Similarly, use a humidifier during dry months to maintain optimal humidity levels between 30% to 50%. Avoid over-humidifying, as it can create a favorable environment for mold and dust mites to thrive. Regularly clean and maintain your humidifier or dehumidifier as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure effective operation.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
Smoking indoors is a major contributor to poor IAQ. It releases harmful chemicals and particles into the air that can linger for a long time. Avoid smoking indoors, and encourage family members and guests to smoke outside to prevent the buildup of harmful pollutants in the air.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, leading to poor IAQ. Switch to natural or eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals, and look for products labeled as low VOC.
You can also make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These natural cleaning products are safer for your IAQ and the environment.
Keep Pets Clean and Groomed
Pets can contribute to poor IAQ as their dander, fur, and saliva can become airborne and trigger allergies or asthma symptoms. Regularly groom and bathe your pets to reduce the shedding of fur and dander.
Vacuum your home frequently using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture pet hair and dander effectively. Wash pet bedding, toys, and accessories regularly to keep them clean and odor-free.
Seek Professional IAQ Assessment
If you are concerned about your indoor air quality or experiencing persistent IAQ issues, it’s best to seek professional help. Contact an HVAC company to conduct a comprehensive IAQ assessment of your home. If you live in Central Indiana, call Complete Comfort to schedule your IAQ assessment today.
We hope these insights will help you take proactive steps towards achieving better indoor air quality in your home. For any further assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact us, your trusted HVAC professionals.
We have been serving the residents of Central Indiana for over 20 years and we are dedicated to serving our fellow Hoosiers. If you are located in Central Indiana, we can provide you with a thorough inspection of your equipment, along with an honest opinion regarding the best fit for your home. We also offer annual maintenance plans to help keep your system running smoothly and consistently, no matter the season.
