Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

You may think about air pollution while you're running alongside a busy road or strolling to your favorite coffee shop, but do you ever think about the pollutants inside your home? Between sleep and home hangouts, the majority of your time is spent between your own four walls. According to Aire Serv, you should regularly change the HVAC filter in your home to help improve indoor air quality. For ease, stock up on a few filters at a time and plan to check the filter monthly. Other considerations to keep in mind include:

Dust and vacuum often. It's easy to put off dusting and vacuuming, but removing dust means you get rid of one of your home's most prevalent pollutants. Instead of a feather duster, use a wet rag or electrostatic cloth to trap debris instead of spreading it around. When you vacuum, turn the thermostat setting to ON so the fan blows continuously, drawing up dusty air and filtering it before sending it back into the air you breathe.

Avoid chemicals. Everything from cleaning products and air fresheners to personal care items give off harmful vapors that become trapped in your home. Avoid chemically laden products and choose non-toxic, non-aerosol, unscented products instead to promote good indoor air quality.

Utilize existing spot ventilation around your home. For example, run the bathroom exhaust fan when you shower and clean; flip on the kitchen range vent when you cook and clean; and turn on the laundry room exhaust vent when clothes are drying. These habits help you eliminate pollutants at the source.

The air filter in your furnace should be cleaned or replaced at least once every three months. Irritants and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites and more build up in dirty filters, increasing exposure and worsening the effects on those with sensitivities.

If your furnace uses natural gas, propane or oil to keep your house warm, the air quality in your home could become contaminated by dangerous carbon monoxide gas. If not properly and adequately ventilated, its build-up in your home can be deadly.

Run an air cleaner. A small portable air cleaner is perfect for your bedroom at night while you sleep. This device collects airborne dust and debris, leaving the air cleaner than ever. If you opt for a whole-house model, it replaces the air filter. This type of installation is known to decrease asthma and allergy symptoms.

Source: Aire Serv