We tend to think about belching chimneys and car exhaust when discussing air pollution. But did you know indoor air pollution can be more harmful than outdoor air pollution? Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, even during nice weather. Also, indoor air pollutants can be 2-5 times more concentrated than their outdoor counterparts. How can you breathe easily about what’s inside your home? Heating Specialties of South Jersey, is your indoor air quality expert with simple solutions for reducing indoor air pollution. Let’s look at what can be done to clean the air.
Common indoor air pollutants
You can’t always see what’s in your indoor air, but what you can’t see can still hurt you. Typical indoor air pollutants include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Bacteria and viruses
- Dust mites
- Pet danger
- Construction byproducts like asbestos and formaldehyde
- Carbon monoxide
- Radon
- Secondhand smoke
Some of these pollutants can be caught at the source. If you’re a smoker, consider taking your smoke breaks outdoors for the sake of your indoor air. If the family pet is causing issues, you may need to establish pet-free zones. But other air pollutants aren’t easy to eliminate, so you should be proactive about your home’s indoor air quality.
How to clean the air at home
Relax if the thought of breathing in pollutants has you gasping for air. By following a few easy steps, you can dramatically improve your home’s indoor air quality:
Be a clean freak. Your fastidious grandmother was onto something when she vacuumed her home’s rugs daily. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can remove dust, dander, and other pollutants from your home. Remember the bedding, drapes, or your cat’s favorite spot.
Change your air filter. Your home’s HVAC system has an air filter to grab pollutants before circulating your home. A dirty filter can’t do its job effectively, and it strains your entire HVAC system because it must work harder to draw in air. Replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Open the windows. Remember what we said above – indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. When Mother Nature sends us pleasant temperatures, open the windows to let in the fresh air and remove some pollutants.
Consider duct cleaning. Every time your HVAC system kicks on the fan, it’s moving air through the ducts and ultimately into your home. Taking a trip through your home’s ductwork can yield some frightening finds. Over time, your indoor ducts can accumulate dust, pet hair, critter droppings, mold, or other toxins. Heating Specialties can restore your ductwork to its original pristine shape with professional duct cleaning.
Get all dried up. During the summer months, humidity can creep into your home and help it become a breeding ground for harmful mold and mildew. A dehumidifier can help remove some moisture from your home’s indoor air. Your family’s indoor activities may also be a culprit. Install a ventilation fan in your bathroom so hot showers don’t cause a cloud of condensation. You can even go old-school and hang your clothes outside to dry, cutting down on dryer-related moisture in the air!
Minimize VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many types of paint, cleaning products, cosmetics, carpet, and composite wood products used in the home. Over time, breathing in VOCs can increase health concerns. Limit exposure by storing unused chemicals in a garage or shed and purchasing items touted as low-VOC. You can start your research here.
Invest in an air cleaner or air purifier. Air cleaners can collect those larger pieces of pollen, dust, and pet dander, while air purifiers rely on unique technology to purify and sanitize the air. At Heating Specialties, we offer several air quality solutions at different prices designed to meet your family’s needs and budget.
Take a deep breath. You’ve relied on Heating Specialties for your heating and cooling needs, and we’ll bring that same commitment to excellence to your New Jersey home’s indoor air quality. If you want to discuss indoor air quality solutions, call us at (866) 923-2653 or schedule an online appointment. Heating Specialties is here for you.