If your home is water damaged, you can see it. If an earthquake cracks the wall, there’s evidence right there in plain sight. Hopefully you’d notice if a fire broke out. However, one of the most important aspects of a safe and healthy home is the air quality, which most of us don’t even think about.
More and more Americans are even considering expensive solutions like whole house ventilation systems, according to the Department of Energy. But there’s no need to take such a drastic step. There are ways to improve the quality of your air right now.
So how can you improve the indoor air quality in your home without breaking the bank?
When’s the Last Time You Opened Up?
The most obvious tip is the one that still needs to be stated – every once in a while, even in inclement weather, you need to crack the seal and let in a little mother nature. Not squirrels and bears mind you, but just allow some fresh air to come through a few sets of opposing windows. A little cross-breeze can work wonders on respiratory health.
Did you know that, according to the EPA, indoor air quality can be 4 or 5 times the worse than the air outside of your house? So, make sure that at least once a day you throw open the windows and a catch some all-natural, locally-sourced oxygen.
How’s Your Moisture Game?
Though we all despise the word “moist,” it’s important to give the idea a little attention. We all know the very real dangers of mold in a home, which can be caused by or at the very least thrive in a humid environment.
The zone of golden humidity is between 30% and 60% – any lower than 30% is uncomfortable and damaging to the skin and throat, anything over 60% and you’re creating the perfect environment for mold to grow.
First, get a humidity detector so you can keep an eye on this. When it’s too dry, consider a portable humidifier, especially in the bedroom. When it’s too humid, let the air conditioner run for a while, or let the outdoor air in if it’s less humid.
Speaking of air conditioners . . .
What’s the State of Your Ventilation System, Anyway?
We all climb up into our ventilation shafts once a month and take a look around, right? No, we don’t do that. That’s crazy. So, we let them sit and, for the most part, we don’t think about them at all. And as long the air conditioner is pumping cool air and the heater is making it warm, there’s no real need to think about it. Or is there?
There is. If you have central air or central heating, you need to consider an air conditioning replacement and HVAC maintenance service. A local Arizona service like the Dukes of Air actually specializes in indoor air quality, making it a normal part of their services. A good air conditioning repair service like the Dukes will check your filters, your ventilation system, clean the system, and check for leaks (the kind of leaks that could really disrupt your indoor air quality). And if you do end up needing an AC replacement (or a heating system replacement), they can do that too.
Make sure you find an HVAC maintenance company that cares about the customer, is always available to answer the phone, and full of technicians who know what they’re doing. The air quality of your home is too important to live it to a roll of the dice.
What’s the Best Way to Clean the Air?
There are devices designed to literally clean the air in your home, so why not make use of them? Look into a device like the Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner, a device designed by professionals and evaluated and verified by the Harvard School of Public Health.
Air cleaners can be especially helpful to improve the indoor air quality of the homes of asthma sufferers, in particular. All those pollens, bacteria, contaminants, and spores just floating around your house can do a number on the respiratory system of an asthma sufferer or anyone prone to sinus troubles. Air cleaners can, if not fix that problem forever, provide you with a safe haven at home to relax and breathe comfortably.
Clearing the Air, with Help
A clean house full of fresh, well-filtered air and a safe, clean HVAC system can literally change your life, and the lives of your family. So, make sure to get your air tested, to get all of your air conditioning and heating systems checked, and to find a quality air conditioner replacement and repair service to regularly monitor your system and your air.
With regular maintenance and the proper steps, you’ll always breathe easy.
