Preventing indoor air quality issues before they become unmanageable will save you from dealing with costly problems down the road. Preventative maintenance that has been thoughtfully planned out while ensuring regular maintenance of the home’s ventilation system can help keep indoor air quality sustainable. Continue reading to view the maintenance plan checklist Ambient Edge suggests you follow for improved indoor air quality.
Preventing Indoor Air Pollution
Maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor space requires the integration of several steps. Indoor air pollutants are all around us, and many of the products used in your home, such as aerosol sprays and cleaners, can contribute to the decline of air quality in your home. The following lists some top causes of air pollution in the home and the steps you can take to prevent contamination of your home’s air:
Choose No-VOC or Low-VOC Products
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are a group of organic compounds generally added to household products for many reasons. In recent years, people have become more aware that these compounds can contribute to dangerous health conditions, so whenever possible, you should choose household goods and products that are labeled as low-VOC or non-VOC. Volatile organic compounds can be found in many household goods and products, including dry-cleaned clothing, paint and paint strippers, and aerosol sprays.
Avoid Pesticides
It is easy to assume that anything that is sprayed outside of your home will make its way indoors, so you should avoid all pesticide use if possible. If there is no way of avoiding pesticides in your garden or yard, be sure you carefully follow all instructions and warnings. When using pesticides, you will want to keep your home’s windows and doors closed during the application of the pesticide product.
Test Your Home for Radon
Many homeowners have never tested their homes for radon or other indoor air pollutants. Radon is a gas that naturally occurs under the ground and has been proven to cause certain cancers in individuals. Testing for radon is fairly inexpensive and simple to complete.
Inspect for Asbestos
Do you have knowledge of your home being built or remodeled using materials made from asbestos? Asbestos is a strong, heat-resistant mineral fiber used widely in products like building materials and fire retardants. Unfortunately, like radon, it has been linked to severe health issues, including lung disease.
Do Not Smoke Indoors
It should not be a surprise that any kind of smoke (marijuana, tobacco, even chimney smoke) can be damaging to people’s health. Many people who smoke indoors do not realize that the odors, tar, and nicotine associated with smoke can permanently stain the walls of your home. You should be sure that your chimney flue is in proper working condition and never smoke while indoors.
Solutions to Indoor Air Quality
There are several things you can do to improve the indoor air quality of your home. Many of these solutions can be done on your own or with little outside help, while other solutions require the help of an experienced air conditioning & heating repair company. Follow these solutions to improve the indoor air quality in your home:
- Keep your home clean. Dirt, dust, pet dander, and hair can all be detrimental to the quality of indoor air.
- Keep humidity levels as consistent as possible. Year-round humidity levels should fall around 45%.
- Work with an experienced HVAC specialist to ensure your home is well-ventilated.
- Keep mildew and mold at bay. If you start to notice the growth of mold anywhere in your home, you should contact a professional remediation specialist right away.
- Regularly have your air ducts cleaned.
- Clean or change your HVAC filter no less than every three months.
- Use a portable air purifier or install a whole-house air purifier in your home.
How do You Know If Your Air Quality Is Poor?
Most people would never attribute poor health to the quality of air in their homes. Many of the symptoms mimic other illnesses, such as seasonal allergies. Younger children, as well as the elderly, may be more sensitive to the quality of air in the home.
If you or a member of your household experiences any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, it may be time to improve the air quality in your home:
- Headaches
- Dry throat
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Dry
- Snoring
- Stuffy nose
Cleaning Checklist for Improved Indoor Air Quality
Daily fresh air is important for people of all ages, even if for a short time. In addition to the above-listed solutions and steps, following our suggested indoor air quality cleaning checklist can help improve the air that your family is breathing. If you need assistance with anything listed in these steps, a professional with Ambient Edge can help.
- At least once every quarter, check and clean or replace (if needed) HVAC filters
- Check the HVAC supply and return vents for built-up dust
- Clean the top of your ceiling fan blades
- Ensure that your dryer vent is clean and has no dust buildup
- Clean entry points and door jams
- Vacuum underneath the beds
- Check all air ducts for leaks, which could be invisible but would be causing air to blow in
- Keep all surfaces cleaned and free of dust
- Wash your curtains, pillows, and bedding regularly
Choose Ambient Edge for All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs
Our team of professionals is available to perform air quality testing to give you a starting point with what your home may need. Ambient Edge offers whole-house air quality solutions and installation like whole-home air purifiers and dehumidifiers. We can perform air-duct cleaning to provide your home with fresher air right away.
No one should have to breathe in stagnant, unclean air when it can be easily prevented. By following our suggested checklist and installing the necessary air quality equipment, your home will have the best quality air possible. You can reach out to the knowledgeable team at Ambient Edge to discuss the steps you can take to begin improving your home’s air quality by calling us today or booking online using our contact form.