Indoor air quality is extremely important this time of the year, as we enter allergy and flu season. Plus, with COVID-19 cases still circulating, you can never be too careful about your family’s health and well-being at home.
Good indoor air quality is all about proper circulation, ensuring that air gets continually cycled in and out while filtering allergens and other particles. However, many homeowners aren’t aware that they are suffering from poor air quality or don’t know how to make improvements. Take a look at some of these tips for ideas on how to breathe easily.
Household Habits
Changing your home’s air quality can be as simple as picking up a few daily habits.
Keep Plants Outdoors
You might think that household plants can help naturally cycle air — after all, isn’t that how it works in nature? However, the truth is that household plants are susceptible to mold and collect dust, which will readily cycle into your air.
Open Your Windows
It may sound like a simple tip, but it’s one that’s easy to forget when temperatures rise into the 80s or fall below freezing. Thankfully, this time of the year is perfect for cracking open your windows and letting in some fresh air. Try to pick at least one day per week where you can open your windows an hour or more to allow fresh air to filter in.
Change Your Filter
One of the most simple ways to ensure your heating system is doing its job properly is to change the filter every one to three months. It costs just a few dollars and takes just a few minutes of your time.
Benefits of changing your air filter on a regular basis can include:
- Increased Equipment Lifespan: A dirty air filter can make your heating system work harder than it should, leading to harmful wear and tear. Replacing the air filter can help prevent this wear and tear.
- Fewer Airborne Pollutants: When you replace your air filter, you can better prevent dust, pollen, and dirt from circulating throughout your home.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: You will waste less energy when you keep your equipment clean and replace your air filter.
- Better Home Comfort: When your furnace runs fewer cycles, your home is more efficient and comfortable.
Gadgets to Upgrade Your Air Systems
There are plenty of household gadgets that can improve your home’s air quality with minimal investment. When used in conjunction with good household habits, they can make a substantial impact.
Air Purifiers
Especially for those with allergies to pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander, an air purifier can be a surefire way to breathe easily. They are best placed in the most highly trafficked areas of the house, sucking up stray particles that could otherwise end up in your lungs.
Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Whether you’re dealing with moist summer heat or the dry air of winter, controlling your home’s humidity levels can significantly improve your air quality. You can even invest in a whole-home dehumidifier, which can be installed to work with your heating system to pull moisture out of the air as it circulates.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While you might not notice carbon monoxide in your air at first, it can pose a major threat to your health. Luckily, all it takes to keep your family protected is a small detector you can have installed at a minimal cost.
Schedule a Service With an IAQ Specialist
To get the most out of your indoor air quality, it’s best to schedule a service with a specialist. Marshall Services offers the best IAQ solutions, from air filtration to duct cleaning in Montgomery County, PA, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us to learn more or book an appointment.