When we talk about air pollution, smoke billowing from industries, power stations, traffic-clogged cities, planes, and other such images might come to mind. But, ever thought about the quality of indoor air or indoor air pollution?
Most people are unaware that the air quality inside their homes can even be worse than that outside. How safe do you think indoor air is?
Your home might be cosy with the air conditioner turned on. However, persons with respiratory problems or sensitivity to indoor allergens might experience worsening during the winter.
Moreover, poor heating systems and stale indoor air usually increase dander, mould spores, and allergy-inducing dust in your home. How then can your indoor air quality be improved?
Knowing the steps to improve your indoor air quality is the first step to improvement. So let’s begin with these steps that you can take to improve your indoor air quality.
Maintain ventilation or air conditioning equipment
Air exchange and ventilation form part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (also known as HVAC). This equipment is what is used to maintain air cleanliness in your home. Therefore, you need to pay attention to HVAC to improve your home’s air quality.
You can also perform detailed and straightforward maintenance by regularly changing or cleaning air filters, condenser coils, evaporators, and ducts in air conditioning systems. In some cases, qualified HVAC repair services might be needed for a professional inspection.
Moisture control
Moisture control is another way of improving indoor air quality. Uncontrolled home moisture often leads to bacteria, bugs, mildew, and moulds.
Moisture can also be caused by steam from the bathroom and water damage. One way to improve moisture control indoors is to install dehumidifiers.
They are appliances that reduce humidity (moisture) in indoor air. Maintaining the proper humidity keeps the indoor air free from biological contaminants.
Use air filters
Air filters are another way to improve indoor air quality and reduce indoor air pollutants. Though capable of removing particles, air filters are incapable of removing gases. So, wherever possible, you can try installing high-quality air filters such as a 20x25x4 furnace filter.
Ensure to make use of air filters with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) to get the best air quality. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) can trap particles and pollutants and thus keep your indoor air quality clean.
Also, you should contact a professional repair service for further recommendations and filter inspections.
Keep the house clean
Improving indoor air quality can ensure that your home’s atmosphere is clean. As you’d have guessed, maintaining good indoor hygiene keeps apartments from dander and reduces dust accumulation.
However, you also have to ensure that you regularly clean every home item that attracts allergens. This is especially important for people who own pets. All rugs and carpets should also be regularly vacuumed with vacuum cleaners having HEPA systems.
Final Thoughts
Improving indoor air quality by simply maintaining your filters, vents, and systems requires diligence. It has to be a continuous process for your home to maintain a clean and improve indoor air quality.
However, if any of your HVAC systems develops a fault, you should seek the help of a professional instead of a DIY option.
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