Protect Yourself and Your Family from Common Indoor Air Quality Problems
The air in our atmosphere is made up of approximately 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. It also carries billions of tiny airborne particles. Many are harmless, but some can pose a threat.
Contaminants like dust, pollen, dander, and mold can exacerbate allergies and asthma. In recent months, the general public has become much more aware that viruses such as COVID-19 can easily spread by way of air. Indoor pollutants can also have long-term health consequences, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
As a result, many homeowners have been seeking out ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
Improving your air quality can alleviate allergy symptoms, ward off viruses, and improve your wellbeing. Taking steps to eliminate airborne debris also shields your HVAC equipment and ductwork from dust build-up and keeps your surfaces cleaner.
Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to help improve the indoor air quality inside your home or business in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. Our specialists can handle all your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC needs.
To improve your awareness, here are five ways you can protect yourself and other members of your household from common air quality issues:
Create an Environment That Mold Despises
Wherever there’s smoke, there’s fire. Wherever there’s water, you won’t have to look far to find mildew and mold. Be diligent about spotting water leaks, and maintain your sump pump.
Be sure your home doesn’t get too humid. Air conditioners and heat pumps do a great job balancing humidity. For extra “oomph,” you can supplement them with a portable dehumidifier in more humid areas like your basement. Also, be sure to keep all windows closed when you’re running your AC unit. Leaving them open defeats the air conditioner’s purpose and can actually contribute to humidity build-up.
Keep Out Pests
Rodent and insect infestations put everyone on edge—at any given moment, a critter could dart out from under a curtain or cabinet. These pests can also exacerbate allergy symptoms. Mice and cockroaches both produce airborne proteins that are known to trigger symptoms in people with asthma or allergies. To discourage these unwelcome guests, clean and vacuum regularly, keep your home well sealed, and don’t leave out open food or beverages.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless chemical that can cause adverse health effects and death. It is a byproduct of combustion and can be generated by the burning of gas, propane, oil, wood, and coal. Regularly check and replace the batteries on your CO detectors and make sure they’re properly placed.
Establish an HVAC Maintenance Routine
Heating and cooling systems can improve air quality by filtering the air and balancing humidity. However, a poorly maintained HVAC unit can taint your air quality and even make you sick. Air filters need to be changed at least every 90 days—more so if you have pets or someone who smokes inside your home. Over time, they become clogged with dust and debris, leading to poor circulation and compromising your equipment.
You should also have your air ducts regularly checked for mold growth or leaks, both of which can contribute to dusty air. Additionally, you can have a specialist vacuum, clean, and rinse your ducts, restoring them to pristine condition.
Get an Air Purifier or Air Cleaner
Air cleaners regulate airborne fumes by using UV lights to kill microbes or releasing negative ions. Air purifiers, once just popular in hospitals, have gained traction in millions of American homes. The air purifier captures airborne dust, dander, bacteria, and more using a static filter. Some can catch molecules as small as 0.1 microns in size. In addition to improving air quality, air purifiers can make surfaces like tables and countertops noticeably less dusty. Both options are an excellent way to supplement your current HVAC system.
Want To Learn More?
Midwest Air Pros has a certified team of specialists committed to creating a healthy and safe home environment for you and your family. We have an expansive service area, with locations in Springfield, MO, Kansas City, MO, Des Moines, IA, Wichita, KS, and Omaha, NE. Find an HVAC pro near you online today.