Servicing the Sun Coast Since 1972

Optimal Air Quality in Your Sarasota Home: A Complete Guide

Whether you live in Florida or Alaska, you’ll want optimal air quality in your home. After all, most people spend a lot of time in their homes, and unfortunately, the air inside is often much more polluted than the air outside. This is a concern, as many Americans have respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD. Use this guide to take measures in your own home to ensure optimal air quality.

Carbon monoxide

Any appliance in your home that uses combustible fuel can emit carbon monoxide. This includes gas-fueled furnaces, ranges and water heaters. Cigarette smoke also is a source of carbon monoxide. Declare your home a smoke-free zone. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, and keep your appliances and home-comfort systems well maintained to minimize the likelihood of CO emissions.

Animal dander and hair and mites

Vacuum upholstery and carpets, as well as stuffed children’s toys, at least twice a week. Concentrate on any areas where pets shed hair, commonly in the living room and bedrooms. Steam-clean carpets regularly. You might consider getting rid of your carpeting altogether, as bare floors tend to be healthier for those with breathing problems. Wash all bedsheets weekly in hot water, as dust mites can survive cold washes. Dust hard surfaces regularly, as dander and skin may accumulate. An electrostatic duster does the best job, as it removes the dust instead of moving it around.

Mold, mildew and radon

These are issues primarily in the bathroom, kitchen and basement. Use exhaust fans vented to the outside in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure you have no standing water anywhere, especially in the basement. Anything exposed to water damage needs to be fully dried within 48 hours or thrown out. Fix leaks in the walls and concrete. Radon, a dangerous gas, can seep into a basement from the ground. Contact your HVAC expert for remediation measures.

Volatile organic compounds

Substances you might store under the kitchen sink can emit unhealthy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Though these substances may look benign because they are capped or in cans, a buildup of emissions can contribute to health problems and prevent your home from enjoying optimal air quality. Store these substances in your garage, or find substances that don’t have VOCs.

For expert advice related to optimal air quality and other ways to make your home comfortable, please contact us at Climatic Conditioning Co. We are a third generation family-owned business, and we have proudly served the Sarasota area for nearly half a century.

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