July 3, 2023
Top 10 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Poor indoor air quality can have huge effects on your health. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we understand the importance of maintaining high indoor air quality in your home. We’ve compiled the ten top ways to improve the air quality in your home.
1. High-Quality Air Filters
Choose filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating for optimal filtration. Regularly replacing the air filters is vital to maintain their efficiency. Setting a schedule on your calendar or smartphone will help you remember to regularly replace the air filters in your HVAC system so that the air in your home is as healthy as possible.
2. Regular HVAC Maintenance
Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to clean the system, check for leaks, and ensure proper airflow. During a maintenance visit, a technician will inspect and clean various HVAC system components, including the coils, blower motor, and drainage system. They will also lubricate moving parts and identify potential issues needing attention. Keeping your HVAC system in optimal condition can enhance indoor air quality.
3. Duct Inspection and Cleaning
It’s a good idea to have your ductwork inspected periodically. Air ducts can develop cracks, holes, and loose joints. As a result, your indoor air quality can degrade significantly. Problems with the ducts can allow dirt and pests into the ductwork, which will spread throughout the home. If moisture seeps into the ducts, it can lead to mold or mildew formation. As a result, the spores will spread throughout your home.
Duct cleaning is a service that can significantly enhance air circulation and quality within your home. This process removes contaminants from the ductwork, ensuring the air flowing through your ventilation system is cleaner and healthier. If you notice excessive dust buildup in your home or detect musty odors, it is imperative to consider having your home’s ducts professionally inspected and cleaned.
4. Control Humidity Levels
The St. Louis area can have high humidity levels throughout the year. Excess humidity in your home can lead to increased allergens and bacteria. We offer whole-home dehumidifier installation to maintain optimal humidity levels between 30% and 50%. By controlling humidity, you can inhibit the growth of allergenic substances. Some dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air, while exhaust fans help remove humid air from specific areas, promoting better air quality.
5. Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential for fresh indoor air. Ensure that your home has adequate ventilation, allowing stale air to exit and fresh air to enter. Proper ventilation helps remove indoor pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cooking odors, and excess moisture. You can also open windows and doors during the cooler times of the day when your air conditioner is off to help increase the ventilation in your home.
6. Avoid Chemical Air Fresheners
Chemical air fresheners often contain VOCs and other irritants that can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues. Instead of using these products, opt for natural alternatives that offer a safer and healthier way to freshen the air in your home. You can also do things like open the windows after cooking or when there are other odors in your home to get rid of them naturally. If you are going to use an air freshener, try to find one that is as natural as possible and with low VOCs, so you and your family have the freshest air possible.
Better yet, consider installing an air scrubber in your HVAC system. Our Aerus Air Scrubbers can remove odors, VOCs, and other indoor air pollutants, giving you fresh, clean air.
7. Ban Smoking Indoors
Smoking indoors poses a substantial threat to indoor air quality and the health of you and your family. Cigarette smoke contains numerous hazardous chemicals and particulate matter. The harmful components present in cigarette smoke can linger in the air for extended periods, posing a continuous risk to the health of occupants and visitors.
It is highly recommended to establish a smoke-free policy within your home. Implementing such a policy creates an environment that prioritizes clean and healthy air. Secondhand smoke, a concerning byproduct of smoking, is a well-documented health hazard. If you have smokers in the home, designate a space away from doors, windows, and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from entering.
8. Manage Household Chemicals
When you opt for low-VOC alternatives or use household chemicals sparingly, you can help indoor air quality. Properly seal and store chemicals to prevent fumes from escaping into your living space. When using household chemicals, it’s essential to read and follow the instructions carefully. Look for products labeled as low-VOC or environmentally friendly to minimize the release of harmful substances into the air. Whenever possible, opt for natural cleaning products.
9. Keep a Clean Home
Regular cleaning is not only essential for maintaining a tidy living environment, but it also plays a crucial role in preserving good indoor air quality. When it comes to cleaning for improved air quality, there are several key practices to keep in mind.
Dust accumulation is a common issue in homes and can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regular dusting and vacuuming of surfaces can help minimize the presence of dust particles. Using microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters can be particularly effective in capturing and removing dust rather than simply dispersing it into the air.
Vacuuming is an important task in reducing dust, pollen, and pet dander accumulation. Opting for a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is highly recommended. HEPA filters can efficiently trap microscopic particles, preventing them from releasing back into the air during cleaning. Be sure to regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other surfaces prone to trapping allergens.
Paying extra attention to areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, is crucial. Moist environments provide a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other airborne hazards, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting these areas can help protect indoor air quality and reduce health risks.
Furthermore, regularly washing bedding and linens is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Bedding can harbor dust mites, a common allergen that can cause respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Washing bedding in hot water can eliminate dust mites and remove accumulated allergens, contributing to a healthier sleep environment.
10. Professional Air Quality Testing
If you have concerns about your home’s indoor air quality or have persistent respiratory symptoms, consider contacting us for an air quality test. The test may reveal asthma irritants, dangerous fumes, or radon lingering in your home, causing health problems. An air quality test can help identify specific pollutants, and a trained professional from our team will make recommendations for improving the air quality in your home safely and within your budget.
Contact Us Today!
At Scott-Lee Heating Company in St. Louis, Missouri, we provide air quality services and HVAC repairs, installation, and maintenance. Our friendly team also provides HVAC zoning systems, commercial services, and metalwork. Contact Scott-Lee Heating Company for more information today!