There’s a lot that affects the quality of air in your Athens, OH home. From burning scented candles and using surface cleaners to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking and off-gassing building materials, both your lifestyle and your house itself are constantly introducing new pollutants. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) without making dramatic changes in how you live your life; the following are five of them.
1. Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filter
Standard HVAC air filters are only rated to pick up relatively large-sized allergens and contaminants. Germs, mold spores, and many other common pollutants flow right through them. While standard filters are primarily built to protect HVAC equipment, higher-rated options provide an impressive range of IAQ benefits. Upgrading your HVAC air filter will automatically limit the amount of contaminants floating through your living space.
2. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Every home has its own unique range of IAQ concerns. Find out what yours are by scheduling an IAQ assessment. Not only will this assessment give you a better understanding of the specific pollutants you’re contending with, but it will also help you find the best methods for minimizing them.
3. Regulate Your Home’s Humidity
Mold spores and mildew are common IAQ concerns. Having excess humidity in the home allows these and other fungi to proliferate. Although your HVAC system helps regulate indoor humidity, having lots of building residents, regularly cooking indoors, or taking lots of steamy showers and baths could make a secondary form of humidity regulation essential. Investing in a whole-house dehumidifier is a great way to keep your indoor humidity in check.
4. Consider Integrated HVAC Accessories
Air filters capture and retain airborne particulates. Comparatively, air purification actually cleans the indoor air. If you have lots of chemical contaminants or airborne pathogens, consider integrated HVAC accessories like:
- Whole-home air purifiers
- Media filters
- Air scrubbers
Some of these additions can successfully remove the viruses and germs that are introduced into the indoor air via the aerosols from sneezes.
5. Choose Non-Toxic or Minimally Toxic Household Products
If you like burning candles indoors, choose natural options that are made from beeswax and essential oils. Use candles sparingly and with the windows open. Switch your plug-in air fresheners to options that use essential oils or hydrosols, and consider swapping out chemical-laden surface cleaners with natural, homemade cleaning solutions such as water and white vinegar.
Since 1977, we’ve been helping residents of Athens, OH regulate their indoor temperatures and improve the quality of their indoor air. We offer air conditioner and heater installation, maintenance, and repairs. We also provide fireplaces, ductwork, generators, and HVAC preventative maintenance plans. Contact David White Services today to schedule air quality service for your home!
