Americans typically spend around 90% of their time indoors. However, the air quality in your home can be up to five times more polluted than being outside. Inadequate ventilation from your heating and air conditioning, household chemicals, and high humidity levels can contribute to poor indoor air quality. In fact, around two tons of carbon dioxide are released into your home from air conditioners every year. If you want to breathe a little easier in your own home, here are a few tips on how to improve indoor air quality.
Find The Source
One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate or reduce the source of pollutants in your home. You can do this by getting rid of pests, taking out carpeting, and washing linens in hot water. If you can’t remove carpets or rugs, clean them at least once per week with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Use non-toxic and fragrance-free household cleaners. Remove your shoes as soon as you walk in the door to avoid tracking in allergens. Use essential oil diffusers instead of spraying air fresheners.
Reduce Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Your heat pump and water heater are two of the most common sources of carbon monoxide exposure. Keep a carbon monoxide detector operational near these household appliances at all times to monitor the air quality around them. You also want to make sure you have furnace maintenance and duct cleaning kept up at least once a year to minimize exposure. If you use a fireplace, make sure to open the flues. Having your chimney and fireplaced professionally cleaned on a regular basis is also a good idea. Finally, make sure you nstall a carbon monoxide monitor to track overall carbon monoxide levels in your home.
Eliminate Mold
Mold can cause numerous health problems. The best way to eliminate mold exposure is to reduce the humidity levels in your home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure you turn on your exhaust fan right after you take a shower and when you’re cooking in the kitchen. Clean mold and mildew spots with chlorine bleach. In addition, make sure your HVAC equipment is clean at all times. Window AC units, in particular, are prone to mold and mildew buildup. If you have to use a window unit, make sure you’re cleaning the filters and vent surfaces regularly to reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup.
Maintaining proper indoor air quality is vital for your health and well-being. As summer approaches, you’ll want to make sure your ductless air conditioning is running as smoothly as possible. Contact us today to find out more about our air conditioning services and how we can help you improve your indoor air quality.
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