Keep your home safe from dangerous toxins and pollutants in the air.

Your home is your safe place. It’s where you can comfortably be yourself, relax and unwind. But is the air quality in your home good? Studies have shown that the concentration of pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. In a sealed environment, toxic substances can linger in the air and cause health problems. Indoor air quality is a global concern. It’s important to be vigilant in monitoring indoor air quality and doing what you can to improve air quality in your home. Here are eight ways to improve indoor air quality:

1. Change your filters

A major filter that should be changed often is the filter within your AC unit. An air conditioner is responsible for cooling your home, which is accomplished by circulating cold air throughout. Over time the air filter becomes full of dust and debris. This will cause the air to carry the pollutants throughout your home, thus causing poor indoor air quality. In addition to the AC filter, it’s important to clean and replace the filters in your humidifier, vacuum, dryer, and so on. A filter that is covered in dust is likely contributing to poor air quality.

2. Keep your floors clean

Keeping your floors, especially carpets and rugs, clean is best. Dust, dirt, dandruff, hair and pollutants in the air cling to carpets and rugs. Running a vacuum cleaner everyday or every other day will help to reduce the buildup of dust and dirt by a lot. You’d be surprised about what your vacuum will pick up in just a day of foot traffic.

3. Monitor the humidity in your home

Humidity is good to a degree. Too much humidity in your home can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause health issues, such as respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, and more. To reduce the amount of humidity in your home, keep a dehumidifier running. It’ll help control humidity and contribute to a more comfortable, healthier living space.

4. Bring plants into your home

Plants release oxygen into the air and work as natural air purifiers. Not only are they nice to look at around your home, but they help to decrease the pollutants in the air. The more plants, the better the result. To start, consider purchasing an indoor plant like a spider plant, peace lily, or a ficus. These plants, among others, are found to be effective at eliminating harmful toxins and refreshing the air.

5. Open the windows

 Allowing your home to air out every so often is a great way to bring fresh air into your home. Poor ventilation of a home can trap dangerous toxins and pollute the air without even knowing it. Opening a window in each room for a day or so will replenish the home with fresh air.

6. Stick to safe cleaning products

It’s no secret that many cleaning products are packed with chemicals and other extremely harmful ingredients. Using safe cleaning products can significantly reduce the harmful products released into the air. It’s also recommended to eliminate aerosol air fresheners and scented candles as these products release toxins into the air.

7. Get your heating and cooling system serviced

As mentioned above, the filter within your home's AC unit should be cleaned and replaced frequently. On top of this kind of maintenance, other areas of the heating and cooling system in your home should also be cleaned and serviced. Air ducts especially can accumulate dust and dirt, which can reduce overall air quality.

8. Get your home tested

Call a trusted professional that specializes in indoor air quality. It’s best to get your home tested for harmful toxins and pollutants before it becomes a major problem for you and your family. Indoor air quality testing is effective at identifying harmful airborne substances, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, mold and dust mites. If it’s found that your home has poor air quality, an air purifier will be a healthy addition.

If you’re interested in learning more about indoor air quality from a highly experienced and reliable professional, Jeff’s HVAC is the company to hire. Jeff’s HVAC specializes in indoor air quality and offers effective solutions to maintaining a safe and comfortable home all year round. Call today!