Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
– By #Action Mechanical
Indoor air quality is always important, as poor air quality can cause an array of health issues including chronic headaches, fatigue and respiratory issues. However, with many of us staying at home more, protecting you and your family by ensuring you have great air quality is even more critical. Luckily, there are some simple HVAC maintenance tasks you can complete to keep contaminants out of your air and improve your home’s air quality. Breathe easier by following these tips:
Change air filters regularly.We can’t stress the importance of this easy, yet often overlooked, task. Filters should be replaced at least every 90 days, or 30-60 for those that have pets and/or people with allergies in the home. Making sure your filter can do its job effectively can help eliminate irritants such as bacteria and pollen, not to mention prolong the life of your system and cut down on bothersome breakdowns.
Vent while you cook.
Many indoor air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, can be released into the air while cooking. These contaminants are not only a result of cooking on a gas stove either; electric burners also emit lower levels of the particles. An easy fix is to turn on the fan above your stove while cooking, or have a nearby window open.
Get your air ducts checked.
The EPA recommends getting your air ducts cleaned if mold or excessive debris, both of which impact air quality, are present, which makes a yearly inspection of your ducts a must.
Let in some fresh air.
Did you know that the air quality in your home can contain as much as five times the pollution and contamination as outside air? It’s true! Simply opening up windows throughout your home and letting in some fresh air can help move out some of the polluted air, not to mention let in a nice, spring breeze.
Use plants to freshen the air.
Plants act as a natural air filter by pulling contaminants out of the air. Even a few indoor plants can go far in improving your home’s air quality, with lilies and ferns being great choices for their great filtering abilities.
Vacuum regularly.
Carpeting also works as an air filter of sorts, as many contaminants get caught in carpet and rugs. Vacuuming at least weekly helps remove the dust and particles and keeps your home’s air more fresh.
Need help ensuring your home has great air quality through regular HVAC maintenance? Action Mechanical is here to help! Give us a call at 605-348-5212 to schedule an appointment for one of our HVAC experts to inspect your home and identify issues that can negatively impact your indoor air quality. We can also perform a pre-season check on your air conditioning unit to make sure it’s ready for the coming heat! We’re here for all of your plumbing, heating and cooling needs!
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