Top Indoor Air Quality Tips for a Healthier Summer!
What are the ways in improving indoor air quality? Many people feel safe in their homes. Unfortunately, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutants inside the home are often two to five times the rate of those outdoors. Because poor air quality (IAQ) in the house can significantly impact your family’s health, it’s important to consider steps you can take to increase your indoor air quality this summer.
Install a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Whole-home air purifiers that integrate directly with your HVAC system are one of the best ways to offer continuous air filtration for your entire home. This step is beneficial if you have pets or family members with allergies at home. Remove allergens and improve your overall air quality in one fell swoop!
Check Your Air Filters for Improving Indoor Air Quality
An essential component of a well-functioning HVAC system is the disposable air filter. The air filter is generally between the return duct and the air handler. Its job is to trap dirt, dust, mold, dander, animal fur, bacteria, and other unwanted air pollutants, keeping them from cycling back into your breathable air.
For air filters to function well and keep your indoor air quality highest, it’s best to clean them every month and replace them every 90 days.
Balance Your Home’s Humidity Levels
In North America, summer ushers in the hottest months, and with heat comes rising humidity levels. Because humidity in the home can cause a rise in the concentration of certain air pollutants (particularly mold!), you must take steps to balance your home’s humidity levels through this season. Opening the windows in the mornings and evenings when the weather’s cooler can help, as can adjusting the settings on your HVAC system. In some cases, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier.
Try to keep your home humidity levels somewhere between 30% – 50%. A simple moisture gauge, available for purchase online or at your local big box store, can help you keep an eye on things and let you know when the time has come to act.
Maximize Home Ventilation
A well-ventilated home is a great factor in improving indoor air quality by lowering the concentrations of indoor air contaminants.
Potential indoor contaminants may include:
- Chemicals and emissions from cleaning compounds
- Carbon monoxide from gas appliances
- Particulates from wood-burning stoves
Consider spot ventilation for troublesome areas (such as exhaust fans in the kitchen) or dilution ventilation solutions for the entire house. Often, we provide whole-house solutions by making changes to your HVAC system. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about how we can help ensure your home has good ventilation for summer.
Attend to Your Ducts
One more factor in improving indoor air quality is to regularly check your ducts. Over time, pollutants, including dust, dirt, and mold, can accumulate in your air conditioning ducts. Routine cleanings and re-sealings can ensure higher air quality throughout your home.
We recommend cleaning your ducts every 3-5 years. If you can’t recall the last time your ducts were cleaned and re-sealed, you’re probably overdue for this service. If you’re unsure, just call us at Aztil AC, and we’ll stop by to help you evaluate your current needs!
Keep Your HVAC Maintenance on a Schedule
Finally, the best thing you can do in improving indoor air quality in your home is to have your HVAC system inspected and maintained at regular intervals. Not only will this keep your house cool and your indoor air clean all summer long, but you can also stay ahead of potential problems and take proactive steps to avoid the potential for major repairs down the road.
Ready to learn more about improving your indoor air quality (IAQ) this summer? Aztil Air is here to help. Contact us to request a quote or schedule your next service call. We look forward to hearing from you!
