Many of us think that air pollution is an issue that only affects urban areas; we don’t often think about the idea of air pollution in our own homes. However, the air inside our homes, offices and other buildings is just as prone to reduced air quality. For children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions, prolonged exposure to this indoor air pollution can have negative effects.
Even if you’re an adult at peak health, you can still benefit immensely by working to combat indoor air pollution. Make the air within your home clean, pure and easy-to-breathe by taking these three steps to improve indoor air quality:
Regularly change your air conditioning filters
When was the last time you put new air filters in your home’s heating and air conditioning system? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to replace them. Experts recommend that you replace your air filters once every six months or so to ensure optimal air quality. Doing this has other benefits, as well — replacing a dirty, clogged air filter can cut your air conditioning system’s energy use by up to 15%. If you really want to go the extra mile, consider having your house’s duct system cleaned by a professional as well.
Don’t forget to do your chores
Keeping up with a weekly cleaning routine helps keep dust and other pollutants out of your home. Invest in a high-quality vacuum that can effectively remove dust as well as allergens like animal dander and pollen. For hardwood or tiled floors, mop after vacuuming to collect any dust left behind. Dust indoor surfaces and furniture with a damp cloth, as well — shelves, TVs and other low-traffic surfaces are dust magnets.
Reduce or remove sources of indoor pollutants
The best way to get rid of pollutants within your home’s air is to stop them at the source. By not smoking in the house, you can keep tons of pollutants out of the home; did you know that cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals? Even candles and fireplaces that burn wood can worsen air quality and harm the health of individuals with respiratory conditions. Additionally, you should seal off or enclose any areas of the house that contain asbestos, and minimize your use of gas stoves.
Have any other questions for us about finding the right air duct cleaning companies or how to maintain air conditioners so you can enjoy optimal indoor air quality? Feel free to ask us anything about AC maintenance plans in the comments below. Learn more.