Many possible problems can cause issues with your indoor air quality– for example, mold, mildew, or pests like termites. It may affect your health, your comfort, and your peace of mind. Allergies are one of the most common health issues related to indoor air quality and they may even lead to a variety of other health problems. Luckily though these problems are easy enough to diagnose and correct in most cases. This article will discuss how you can best identify and solve some of the most common ways to improve your indoor air quality.
Invest In Air Purifiers
Another way to improve your indoor air quality is to invest in an air purifier. This device uses a fan to trap pollutants in the air and condense them onto one of several filters inside. You can find different mini purifiers at most home improvement stores, usually in the form of small desktop units that you place on top of your desk or counter. Larger models are also available for big spaces like living rooms, however, you should make sure they come with multiple filters if there are any heavy smells or particles already in the room. You must replace these once every couple of months as well, otherwise, their effectiveness will significantly decrease over time.
Keep Up With Regular Chimney Maintenance
A dirty or under-maintained chimney is not only potentially dangerous, but it can also be a major source of indoor air quality problems. A buildup of soot and creosote in your chimney over time causes several health issues such as skin problems, respiratory issues, and even an increased risk for cancer. If you continue to use the fireplace without cleaning, this soot and creosote will eventually begin to break down and become a health hazard, causing rapid deterioration of your chimney. Even if you have not been using your fireplace, you should still consider getting your chimney cleaned by professionals before the chilly weather hits. Having a professional inspect your chimney and clean it can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality and is a small price to pay for the safety of you and your family.
Clean HVAC Unit Regularly
The heating and cooling unit for your home is often called the HVAC (heating ventilating, and air conditioning) unit. Ideally, you should have this cleaned professionally at least once a year but you can also do it yourself by removing any grills or covers. Use the vacuum cleaner to suck up debris around the fan blades, coils, filters, along with other vents in the system. The area between each coil should be wiped down as well to ensure that they are not coated in dust. Get rid of any excess dirt you find on either side of the interior coils– if they are too dirty, your indoor air quality will suffer because less heat transfer will occur which means that your house won’t be as comfortable.
Clean Out Ductwork Regularly
If you have central heating in your home, chances are there is a network of ducts throughout your house that carry heated air to the various rooms. These ducts can get clogged with dust or lint, which can cause issues with your indoor air quality. If you notice that the inside of some of the vents is dirty, it’s a good indication that the rest of them probably are too. Take care of this problem by completely removing each vent cover and cleaning all sides carefully. Spray cleaners work well for this purpose but make sure they are safe to use on metal so as not to damage it. A brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner is also helpful for loosening dirt.
Make Sure Your Pets Aren’t Making Allergies Worse
If you have pets, you’re probably already aware that pet dander can be one of the biggest causes of allergy problems inside your home. It contains proteins that are small enough to become airborne and irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled, which is why it’s important to make sure your pets stay clean. Brush them often to rid their coats of any excess fur or dander, vacuum up all dust and pet hair regularly (including furniture), and bathe them at least once every couple of months. Just make sure you use a pet shampoo that is mild and won’t contain any soap or detergents so your furry friend doesn’t get dry and itchy.
Schedule Regular Professional Cleaning
The best way to completely rid your home of allergens is by having professional cleaners come in and thoroughly clean it from top to bottom. Many people make the mistake of doing this job themselves, but it’s difficult to get every nook and cranny when you’re working with a vacuum cleaner. A high-efficiency carpet cleaning machine will help get rid of allergens, but it’s still not the same as having real professionals come in and do the deed. They can get into spaces where you may have never even thought of looking and they also use special chemicals that help remove odors and kill germs hiding deep down.
With the above tips, you should be able to improve indoor air quality and provide a more comfortable environment for everyone in your household. So as not to overwhelm yourself with purchasing too many items at once, start by implementing one solution each month until you’ve made all the necessary changes. Then, sit back and enjoy improved home comfort without worrying about how it might affect your family’s health.