Servicing the Sun Coast Since 1972

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution can be a nuisance, but sometimes it can be much more than that. If you have any family members with respiratory problems–perhaps asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–you’re aware of just how crucial clean air is. But even if everyone in your family is healthy, clean air should be a priority, as nobody wants to be breathing dust, mold and viruses. Here are some straightforward things you can do to improve your indoor air quality.

  • Add an purifier to your HVAC system: An air purifier can trap not only inorganic particulates, but also bacteria, viruses and mold. Some systems can purify your indoor air supply nearly 10 times an hour. Many homeowners opt for UV lights. This system, like a whole-house air purifier, is installed in your HVAC equipment. It destroys the DNA of organic pollutants such as mold and bacteria.
  • Maintain moderate humidity in your home: Mold and dust mites thrive in a moist environment. Although an air conditioner can do a yeoman’s job of removing humidity from the air, some homes also need a dehumidifier. You can run both the air conditioner and the dehumidifier at the same time, or on milder days you can run the dehumidifier–which makes you feel cooler–all by itself.
  • Avoid volatile organic compounds: The number of cleaning supplies, building materials, home-improvement products and everyday items that off-gas VOCs would probably surprise you. VOCs have been linked to long-term health problems including cancer and liver damage, as well as short-term issues including nausea and sore throat. Look for natural cleaning supplies. Or better yet, make them yourself. Buy only as many home-improvement supplies–such as paint, caulk and adhesive–for the project that you have in mind. And have adequate ventilation in your home, so that fumes can be quickly removed.
  • Have family members and guests remove their shoes at the door: Shoes can track in pollutants including pollen. If you don’t want to force people to remove their shoes, have a sturdy mat at each entry door where family and visitors can wipe their feet.

For more advice on how to improve the indoor air quality in your home, contact Climatic Conditioning Co. We have been proudly serving residents of greater Sarasota for nearly 50 years.

 

Climatic Conditioning Company, Inc., Air Conditioning Contractor, Sarasota, FL