Do you ever think about your indoor air quality? If not, you're like many other homeowners who, while they would never neglect cleaning their homes, don't give clean air a second thought. That's too bad, because research has shown that the air quality in most homes — particularly those with newer, tighter construction — is several times more polluted than the air outdoors. It may not be on your radar unless you have allergies or respiratory problems, but read on to learn what you might be breathing in your home. Then, maybe you'll decide it's time to do something about cleaning the air.
What Types of Pollutants Do You Have in Your Home?
The air in most homes is positive for a variety of airborne pollutants, including:
Humidity
Volatile organic compounds
Dust mites and other decaying insect parts
Pollen
Dust
Pet dander
Over time, the pollutants build up, particularly if you keep windows and doors closed or if you do not have some type of ventilation equipment installed.
Cleaning the Air in Your Home
There are a number of ways to effectively go about cleaning the air in your home:
Fix plumbing leaks, condensate drain obstructions, and leaks in the roof and ceiling to lower humidity in the home. Also, changing the HVAC filter often will help the HVAC remove moisture from the home's air properly.
Install bathroom and kitchen ventilation to lower humidity in the home.
Air out dry cleaning or articles made of pressed wood to shed volatile organic compounds, which are types of gases given off by certain products. Also tightly cap chemicals such as thinner, paint and cleaning solutions. Put them away in a cabinet or outside.
Don't smoke indoors.
Vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Brush pets outdoors.
To get rid of pet dander and insect particles, vacuum and clean rugs, carpets, and drapes.
Use a quality air filter, changing it as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Use either a portable air purifier or install a whole-home air purifier in the HVAC system.
For more on cleaning the air, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.