When it comes to air inside, most people do not realize how polluted it can become. But with people spending almost 90% of their time per day inside, it is important to know the risks. A few contaminants include dust, pet dander, nitrogen dioxide, toxic chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, the air inside your home can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Luckily, there are a lot of simple things you can do to reduce household contaminants and promote healthy indoor air.
- Crack the Windows and Open the Door
One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is by ventilating your home. Open the windows and doors to the outside. This forces stale air out and invites fresh, outdoor air in. Even in winter you want to open your windows up for a few minutes every day. - Bring Nature Inside
Houseplants help clean the air and the benefits cannot be overstated. Plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. By bringing some greenery inside, you can reap the full benefits of this symbiotic relationship. The plants will beautify your home, filter the air, and produce fresh oxygen. A few easy options for those who might not have the greenest thumbs are snake plants, rubber tree plants, English ivy, and aloe plants. - Clean Your Floors
A lot of dust, pollen, and other contaminants enter your home in the bottoms of your shoes. This is why it is important to practice shoe removal and also keep your floors clean. Regularly mopping, dusting, and vacuuming will remove a lot of the particles that eventually end up in the air. - Replace your Air Filters
Your HVAC system contributes so much to the air quality inside your home, and is often the first line of defense. The average heating and air conditioning system circulate 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute through the air filter. That means the entire volume of air inside your home passes through multiple times a day during peak usage. The last thing you want is the system circulating dust and pollen-laden air. A clean filter can trap airborne particles better and reduce unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. - Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity accumulates in tightly sealed environments and newer homes are especially prone to high humidity. Things like cooking, laundering, showering, and bathing can also raise humidity levels. Too much humidity trapped inside can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold that can release toxic spores. If you struggle to keep humidity at an optimum level, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier. - Have Heating and Air Conditioning Checked Annually
One more thing you want to do to improve air quality is make sure you get your HVAC system checked every year. A technician can come in and make sure your system is running properly and efficiently. They can run an indoor air quality test and clean your air ducts if necessary.
For more information about air conditioning repairs in San Jose, CA, contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. You can call (669) 219-8957 or you can visit 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112.
The post 6 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.