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You dust, mop, and vacuum to keep surfaces spotless and germ-free. Now, if only there were a way to scrub the air…
Cleaning your indoor air likely isn’t on your list of household chores. People rarely think about it. And that’s a problem. According to the EPA, the air in your home can be several times more polluted than the air outside. Poor air quality can lead to a range of health problems, including asthma.
By taking a few simple steps, you can make your home a safe, healthy place for your loved ones.
Change Your Air Filter
Set a reminder on your phone to change out your air filter every 30 to 90 days. This will improve your air quality and help your HVAC system consume 5% to 15% less energy.
Also, pay close attention to the filter’s MERV rating. That’s the minimum efficiency reporting value. The scale ranges from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV, the smaller the particle the filter can trap. Select an air filter with a MERV of 8 to 11. This is a step up from your basic disposable filter, helping screen out mold spores, chemical sprays, and other contaminants.
Open Your Windows
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come from your carpet, furniture, personal care products, and paint. They contain harmful compounds like methane, formaldehyde, ethanol, acetone, and sulfur dioxide. As a result of VOCs, you can develop health problems like asthma, respiratory issues, and headaches.
Proper ventilation is important for maintaining your indoor air quality. If you open your windows for 10 minutes a day, it helps to release pollutants like carbon dioxide. It also releases things like scented aerosol sprays, which can pollute the air. By opening the windows, you can reduce the effect these pollutants have on your health.
Turn on Your Exhaust Fans
Your kitchen and bathroom are designed with exhaust fans. Exhaust ventilation is placed near the main sources of moisture and pollutants in your home for a reason. When you run the exhaust fans, they remove the contaminated or moist air from inside your kitchen or bathroom and send it outside of your home. By removing these pollutants, you can reduce your risk of developing health problems or mold growth. Turn on the exhaust fan for 20 minutes after your shower and keep it running while cooking.
Clean Your Carpets, Drapes and Bedding
Over time, textiles in your home absorb pollutants from the air. Because of this, you may suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Fortunately, you can easily fix this problem by cleaning your carpets, drapes, and bedding. You should wash your curtains at least twice a year. While your comforter or duvet should be washed a couple of times a year, your sheets should be washed every two weeks. Additionally, your carpets should be professionally cleaned on an annual basis.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Getting an air purifier or an air filter is one of the best things you can do for your home. An air purifier actively filters out the pollutants, allergens, dirt, and odors that manage to get inside. Through the help of a professional technician, you can figure out which air purifier or air filter you should install in your home.
Bottom line: Indoor air pollution leads to 4,000 global deaths each day. Also, it can permanently damage your respiratory and cardiovascular health. By taking appropriate precautions, you can reduce the impact of air pollution on your family. To find out more about air filters and purifiers, reach out to Black Hills Inc, Home Services today by calling (360) 558-3242.
