How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is something many people overlook, but it can significantly affect our health and overall well-being. The air we breathe inside our homes, offices, and schools might contain pollutants and allergens that are more concentrated than what we find outdoors.
With the rise of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns, paying attention to how to improve indoor air quality has never been more important. So, how can you make your indoor environment cleaner and healthier? Let’s look at some simple yet effective steps you can take to improve air quality in your home.
Start with Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the first and simplest steps to improving indoor air quality is keeping your home clean and free from dust and dirt. Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate on surfaces, carpets, and furniture. Over time, these particles can stir up into the air, negatively impacting air quality.
Vacuuming frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter is recommended. These vacuums trap even the smallest particles, preventing them from circulating in the air. Cleaning with a damp cloth also helps prevent dust from being stirred up into the air. Regularly wash bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings to reduce dust accumulation.
Bring Nature Indoors
Plants are an excellent way to freshen up the air and add some natural beauty to your home. Certain plants can absorb harmful substances like carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Some indoor plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, have been shown to help purify the air by filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Having plants around can also improve mental health, as they provide a calming atmosphere and increase overall well-being. When choosing plants, remember that they also need to be cared for properly. Be sure to water them regularly and clean the leaves to remove dust and ensure they continue to purify the air.
Upgrade Your Air Filters
A high-quality air filter can trap dust, pollen, and other particles that contribute to poor air quality. The most common type of filter is the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters are highly effective at capturing allergens, pet dander, and dust.
In addition to changing your air filters regularly (every 1-3 months), consider upgrading to air filters with higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings. Filters with a higher MERV rating are better at trapping smaller particles, offering superior protection for your indoor environment.
Installing air purifiers with HEPA filters is another great addition to your home, especially if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution or have specific allergies. Place them in high-traffic areas or in rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room or bedroom.
Eliminate Indoor Pollutants
Many household items, such as cleaning products, paints, and furniture, can release harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can contribute to indoor air pollution. VOCs are found in a wide range of items, including paints, air fresheners, cleaners, and even certain building materials.
To minimize the impact of VOCs, choose natural or non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. Consider using essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners. You can also opt for low-VOC paints and finishes for your furniture and walls. Whenever you do use products with VOCs, make sure the area is well-ventilated to allow the fumes to dissipate more quickly.
Another common source of pollutants is tobacco smoke. If you smoke indoors, try to quit or limit smoking to outdoor areas. The chemicals from cigarettes can linger in the air for hours, severely reducing indoor air quality.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a key role in maintaining good indoor air quality. If the air in your home is too humid or too dry, it can create an environment where mold, mildew, and dust mites thrive. Dust mites, in particular, are a common allergen, and mold can contribute to respiratory issues.
To maintain healthy humidity levels at home, aim for a relative humidity of 30-50%. A dehumidifier can be helpful in areas prone to excess moisture, like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. It helps prevent mold growth and reduces the overall moisture in the air, making it less hospitable for allergens.
On the other hand, during the winter months, indoor air can become very dry, which can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory discomfort. Using a humidifier can help balance the moisture levels and maintain comfortable indoor air. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold within the device.
Use Natural Ventilation
Proper ventilation is another effective way to improve indoor air quality. It allows fresh air to circulate and helps remove stale, polluted air from inside. If weather permits, open your windows regularly to let in fresh air. Even a few minutes of open windows can make a noticeable difference in indoor air quality.
Modern HVAC systems have ventilation systems built in, but make sure they are well-maintained to function correctly. For residential homes it is recommended to have maintenance completed eery 6 months right before the peak of winter and right before the hot summer months come in. If you are in an area where you have warm winters, annual HVAC maintenances between March-May is ideal. For businesses or commercial properties running their HVAC systems majority of the day or 24/7, it is recommended to set-up quarterly maintenance with your HVAC contractor. Also, exhaust fans in the kitchens and bathrooms can remove moisture and odors, helping keep the indoor air fresh and dry.
In areas where outdoor air pollution is a concern, such as highly industrialized or urban areas, air purification systems can serve as a substitute for natural ventilation. These devices will help filter out harmful particles from the outside air before they enter your home.
Keep Your Home Smoke-free
Smoke from cooking, candles, or even burning wood can significantly degrade indoor air quality. Try to avoid burning items inside your home whenever possible, or at least do so in well-ventilated areas. Kitchen exhaust fans can help vent out smoke and cooking odors, which can be a source of indoor air pollutants.
Similarly, if you have a fireplace or wood stove, ensure it is properly ventilated to allow smoke to exit your home. Regular maintenance of these appliances will help reduce harmful emissions. If you’re using candles, choose those made from soy or beeswax rather than paraffin, which can release chemicals when burned.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is responsible for controlling the temperature and airflow in your home. However, if it is not maintained regularly, it can become a source of poor air quality. Dust, dirt, and mold can accumulate inside ducts, and the air filters might not be as effective at trapping pollutants.
To prevent these issues, schedule regular HVAC system maintenance. This includes cleaning and replacing filters, washing condenser coils, cleaning evaporator coils, cleaning drain pans, flushing out the system, checking electrical components, checking freon levels, and make sure unit is operational. If you notice any strange smells, unusual noises, or a decrease in airflow, it’s time to have your system inspected by your local HVAC pros.
Be Mindful of Chemical Cleaners
The cleaning products we use in our homes can sometimes contribute to poor air quality, as they may release harmful chemicals into the air. Many cleaning products have chemicals like phthalates, bleach, and ammonia, which can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to indoor pollution.
Instead of using chemical-heavy cleaners, switch to natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. You can also purchase eco-friendly cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Not only will this reduce the number of pollutants in your home, but it can also create a safer environment for children and pets.
Reliable Indoor Air Quality Services in Santa Clarita & San Fernando Valleys, CA
With a few changes in your cleaning routine, home maintenance, and lifestyle, you can create a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Small actions like upgrading air filters, increasing ventilation, and eliminating pollutants can go a long way in improving the air quality inside your home. Start with one or two changes, and you’ll soon notice the difference in how your home feels and how you breathe.
At C&M Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality services to keep your home or business healthy and comfortable. Serving the Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando Valley, our team uses advanced tools like smart sensors and real-time monitors to detect air quality issues, such as dust, allergens, and humidity imbalances. We provide tailored solutions like improved air filters, ventilation upgrades, and air purification systems.
For added protection, we install UV light systems to eliminate bacteria and viruses. With over 25 years of HVAC experience, we are committed to fair pricing, exceptional service, and customer satisfaction. Contact ustoday for a free estimate, and let us help you breathe cleaner, fresher air every day.