Indoor Air Quality Tips
The air we breathe is an essential part of our overall health. Clean air keeps us healthy and energetic, whereas contaminated air can make us sick. It is estimated that people spend 85% of their time indoors, and most of that time is spent at home. It stands to reason, then, that you want the air in your home to be of the best quality possible. Below are some helpful tips you can use to make that happen.
Employ Technology
These days, there are a number of advances in technology designed to improve air quality in order to keep your home as healthy an environment as possible. Certain components can be added to your existing ventilation system to remove potentially harmful contaminants from the air.
The most obvious of these is an air filtration system. Whether a simple portable model for one room, or a whole house system attached to the heating and cooling equipment, an air filtration system is a great way to remove dust, pollen, smoke, dander and other particulate matter from the air. Using a hypoallergenic HEPA filter that is changed on a regular basis further enhances the benefits of air filtration.
Particles and allergens are just one threat to air quality, though. There is also a whole array of biological contaminants that can make you sick, like bacteria, mold and viruses. Almost no physical filter is small enough to catch these, so instead you can use UV germicidal lights to eradicate them. These lights expose the air in your ventilation system to ultraviolet light, which kills the germs that can make you sick.
Battling Mold
Mold growing anywhere inside your home is not only unsightly; it is actually a hazard to you and your family. In order to propagate itself, mold releases spores into the air. Some of these attach to moist surfaces and reproduce. Others get inhaled and wind up in your body, where they can make you sick.
UV lights can help, but the best solution is to prevent mold from growing in your home to begin with. Mold likes moisture, so controlling the humidity in your home is essential. Using a dehumidifier, especially in damper spaces, like the bathroom and basement, is often necessary. You also want to be sure to keep your vent fans in good working order, so they can properly dry moisture up. And, if you ever start to see any mold growth, use a bleach solution to stop it in its tracks.
Maintenance
On its own, your home’s ventilation system does a great job of circulating air and filtering it by passing it through your air cleaning systems. While this all takes place without any effort on your part, it’s up to you to give it a hand by adhering to a maintenance regimen that ensures filters are changed regularly and all system components are kept in working order.
To start with, check the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to change or clean the filters. Check them to ensure they are not clogged up and change and clean them as recommended. Also, clean the vents throughout your home at least once a month. You can use a vacuum to clear dust away from hard to reach vents, and wipe away any leftover dirt with a damp rag or sponge.
Finally, get an annual maintenance visit from a professional. This will keep your whole system running efficiently and prevent breakdowns, so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your ventilation system, such as good air quality.
