Take a deep breath in. Now breathe out. Do you know how many indoor air pollutants you just inhaled? From pet fur and dander to common indoor contaminants like dirt and dust, we breathe in tons of indoor pollutants each day in our own homes. When you combine all of these contaminants, it makes it harder to breathe in the air at home, even if you don’t realize.
Healthy indoor air quality is vital to our everyday lives, especially if you or someone you live with suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. If you’re wondering how you can improve the quality of your home’s air, keep on reading. And don’t worry, the answer is not getting rid of our furry friends!
Keep Humidity Levels Under Control
It’s no surprise that humidity creates excess moisture in areas we don’t need. When there is an excessive amount of moisture, this is the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, which can trigger anyone with allergies or asthma. Investing in a whole-house dehumidifier can create air that is easier to breathe and prevent mold and mildew growth. If you think high humidity levels are causing problems for your indoor air quality, Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning offers dehumidifier options that will be perfect for your home.
Clean Your Carpets
Is vacuuming part of your weekly cleaning routine? If not, it’s a good habit to get into. While your rugs and carpets are a great way to add style to a room, they endure quite a bit throughout the week. Between members of your household walking on them and your pets laying down, your carpets and rugs collect a good amount of dirt and pet fur. Vacuuming and cleaning your carpets weekly will significantly improve the quality of your indoor air.
Replace Your AC Filters
As a rule of thumb, you should always check your air filters every 30 days and replace them every 90 days. Over time, your AC filter will collect dirt, dust, and other debris that can travel through your home as your AC runs. When your air filters become clogged, they stop filtering the air and you begin breathing in these contaminants. Not only can these trigger allergy symptoms, but it also causes your AC system to overwork itself, which can lead to a repair down the road. Keep an eye on your AC filters and regularly change them to avoid this problem.
Cooking Vents
When using gas stoves and electric burners to cook, there are certain levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that are released. When you’re cooking, turning on your cooking vents or cracking a window will help to filter the air out and reduce the cooking fumes.
Let the Fresh Air In
Opening the windows in your house from time to time will allow fresh air to flow through and can move out potential indoor air pollutants. Not only will this give you a breath of fresh air, but it will
also give your HVAC system a break.
Indoor Plants
If you want to add some decor to your home while also improving your indoor air quality, plants are a great solution. Specifically, plants like ferns and lilies can pull contaminants out of the air, acting as natural air filters.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers act as a line of defense when it comes to removing contaminants in your home. If you combine an air purifier with a whole home dehumidifier, you’re maximizing the quality of your indoor air and protecting your household from indoor contaminants. Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of products and services to remove indoor pollutants and restore your home’s indoor air quality.
If you’re concerned about the quality of air you’re breathing at home, give us a call today at (574) 498-7556. Our team understands the importance of the air we breathe and everyone deserves clean, healthy, and fresh indoor air. Head over to our website and fill out our online contact form to get started today!