It’s National Clean Air Month! The quality of the air in our homes is crucial for comfort and health, yet it’s an aspect of home maintenance that is often overlooked – that is until an issue arises. Breathing clean air is key to maintaining good health. Did you know that studies show our homes are actually five times more polluted than outdoor air? Sounds gross but makes sense when you pause to think about it. The air inside our homes continues to build up with being ventilated as much. So, today, your favorite Washington Court House Heating & Cooling experts will highlight common mistakes that can significantly reduce your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) and how to counteract them.
It’s Not a Good Idea to Skip Your Air Filter Changes
Changing your air filters is more important than it might seem. We know. We know. We say this a lot. And we are not going to stop. Air filters play a pivotal role in keeping your HVAC system safe and running smoothly. They trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants. So, if they get too clogged, air can’t flow well, and those trapped particles can end up back circulating throughout your home.
- It’s important to change filters as the manufacturer recommends – every 1 to 2 months. Just bear in mind this timeframe is based upon a few factors like the filter type, if you have pets, allergies, and how system usage.
- Make a schedule – don’t be afraid to get into the habit of checking your filter every month. A good tip is to set a calendar reminder so you don’t forget. Sticking to regular filter changes is an easy way to automatically improve airflow and boost air quality in your home.
It’s Not a Good Idea to Ignore Moisture in Your Home
Have you suspected your home has particularly high humidity levels? Tell-tale signs of excess moisture in a home are condensation on windows and water stains on ceilings or walls. One thing to be aware of is that too much moisture can cause mold to grow, and usually mold or mildew grows in inconspicuous places before you even start to notice it. So, although you may think the humidity is ‘just uncomfortable,” it’s actually bad for your health as well. Which is not really something you want to keep ignoring.
A good solution for excessive moisture in a home is a whole-home dehumidifier. A whole-home dehumidifier will pull out the extra water in the air and bring your home’s humidity levels back to a more balanced and healthy level. Your home’s IAQ will be significantly boosted as a result. Interested but not sure where to start? Give us a call and we will point you in the right direction!
It’s Not a Good Idea to Let Odors Stuff Up Your Home
In-home odors are a part of every life; there is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to them. However, when odors are left unchecked and continue to build up in a home, they will naturally stuff up your home, thus lowering your home’s IAQ. To fight these odors and the pollutants causing them, consider these steps:
- Get a whole-home air purifier installed. Whole-home air purifiers are fantastic solutions as they work together with your HVAC system to keep your air clean. Take the iWave-R for instance; it’s an air purifying device that emits ions to eliminate allergens and other airborne contaminants circulating in the air. But the reason we love the iWave-R so much is that it has great self-cleaning feature, that makes this innovative device low maintenance. What a great option for busy homeowners!
- Install UV lights to enhance your indoor air quality. UV lights can be installed inside your air ducts or directly inside the air handler where they zap and neutralize bacteria and pollutants and pollutants on the spot, making them an efficient and highly effective solution. On top of that, their bulbs only need changing every 2-3 years, which can be easily done by your HVAC technician during your regular annual check-ups.
Your home should be a safe and comfortable sanctuary – “home sweet home” as they call it. To achieve this, it’s crucial to ensure the air quality in your home doesn’t harm your health. Remember, paying attention to small details and taking proactive steps can greatly enhance your indoor air quality (IAQ). Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements over time.
We’d love to guide you on your air quality journey! Call Washington Court House Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
