Many people are unaware of how many toxins are in seemingly clean indoor air. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in some homes and businesses is more polluted than outdoor air!
At Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we want you to be aware of the potential contaminants affecting your indoor air quality (IAQ). Air quality tests are a great way to determine how clean your air is, and there are many ways to improve it and protect your family’s health.
Best Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Change Air Filters Regularly
One of the most affordable, easiest ways to clean your home’s air is by replacing the HVAC and air filters throughout the house. Filters are inexpensive and can lower your electric bill by up to 15% when changed regularly!
If you aren’t sure how often to replace your filters, check them once a month. When light can no longer pass through them, they are full. The season, types of filters you use and the amount of dust, pets and other pollutants in your home impact how quickly they fill up.
Use Air Purifiers And Dehumidifiers
Ionic and HEPA air purifiers attract and hold pollutants to prevent them from circulating in the air. They are most effective in smaller spaces and when cleaned routinely, but can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers!
High humidity can allow mold and mildew growth, triggering allergy and asthma irritation, especially if you live in a warm climate. Maintaining 30% to 50% humidity levels with a dehumidifier is a great way to keep the moisture under control. But, dry indoor air at less than 30% humidity can also be an irritant, so stay aware of problem areas around the house.
Clean Often Using Natural Products
Allergens carried in indoor air, like dust mites and pet dander, can live on furniture, floors, carpets and bedding. Cleaning surfaces in your home and washing sheets often can help get rid of any airborne allergens so they don’t recirculate through your HVAC system for you to breathe later.
With that in mind, a lot of household cleaners contain ammonia, chlorine and other harsh chemicals that are bad for your skin and respiratory system. They absorb into upholstery and carpets and can remain in your home for long periods of time. By switching to natural cleaning products that contain vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice, you can keep your home clean and avoid replacing allergens with dangerous cleaning toxins.
Ventilate
Sealing and insulating your home to prevent air leakage is usually recommended to save money and energy when using your HVAC system. But opening your windows and doors to let in fresh air clears out stagnant air that allergens accumulate in. Opening your home for just five to ten minutes can refresh and improve your IAQ.
Buy Indoor Plants
Many plant varieties can reduce indoor pollution by releasing clean, breathable air for you after they breathe in carbon dioxide and other toxins. In addition to improving IAQ, they also add some beauty to make your space cozy!
Check out these plants that are great at cleaning your air:
- Boston or English ivy
- Spider plants
- Aloe vera
- Peace lily
- Boston fern
- Indoor palm trees, like bamboo palm
- Chinese evergreen
- Dragon tree
- Weeping fig
- Gerber daisy
- And more!
Professional IAQ Testing
Our team, at Brown Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, provides high-quality air testing to measure what is in your home and recommend the best IAQ solutions for you and your family. Serving Hueytown, Birmingham and the surrounding areas since 1994, we offer a range of air purification and filtration systems to help you breathe easier in the comfort of your home.
Call us today to learn more about how we can clean your air at the source!
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