10 Tips to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Our home should be a place where we feel safe, rested and comfortable – not a place we get sick from the air that surrounds us.  Often when we think of pollution and poor air quality, the outside air is what comes to mind. However, the air you breathe while being in your own home can also be filled with pollutants and particles that are bad for your health.

Contaminants are brought into your home each and every day through a variety of sources. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, harsh chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners, formaldehyde, fire retardants, radon, lead, and many other invisible pollutants constantly filter into homes all around Houston and the state of Texas.

Fortunately, with the help of a local HVAC technician and by making a few changes in your lifestyle, you can improve the quality of air in your home. Below are ten tips on how to do so:

1. Never smoke indoors.  According to WebMD, cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals that are released into the air. As Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, puts it: “Probably the single most important aspect of indoor air pollution is secondhand cigarette smoke.” Vaping indoors comes with similar risks.
2. Place door mats at all door entryways. Doormats are good at catching debris that otherwise would be coming into the house.
3. Take shoes off before entering the home. You will be surprised at how much “junk” you will save from entering your home simply by removing your shoes before entering.
4. Minimize use of harsh cleaners. Try to stick with more natural products that don’t contain so many different types of chemicals.
5. Don’t idle cars, lawn mowers or other engines in the garage. The exhaust and fumes do not need to hover in your garage and creep into the house.
6. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner to control allergens. Picking out the proper vacuum is vital.  The High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filter should be cleaned regularly.
7. Run dehumidifiers to control humidity. Read our blog post about how dehumidifiers are incredibly helpful for moisture control in your home, which in turn makes for better quality air.
8. When weather permits, open doors and windows for fresh air flow.Do not do this when allergens are high.  However, anytime fresh air is allowed to flow throughout your home is great for the indoor air quality.
9. Change and wash bedding on a regular basis.Washing sheets and bedding can eliminate a lot of dust, fibers and dust mites.
10. Replace the AC filter. Changing your air filter is one the simplest and most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality.  Plus, it’s super easy!  Learn how by reading this article. As an added defense against allergens, you can also have a HEPA filter installed.  Speak with one of our technicians about installing a high efficiency air filter that creates good air flow and provides excellent filtration.

If you live in Houston or nearby, dial (713) 732-6426 to contact us about expert AC service. One of our savvy service technicians can help determine the most cost effective solutions to your heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs.

Continue browsing our knowledge center and blog for the best air conditioning tips and more.