When you think about air pollution, you might picture industrial smokestacks in a big city or heavy pollution during a traffic jam. While those things can impact your health, most of us spend most of our time inside. Air quality plays a significant role in your family’s well-being, making it essential to pay attention to factors that affect the air you breathe. Here are a few easy ways to improve indoor air quality at home.
Install a New HVAC Filter
When was the last time you changed your HVAC filter? This filter removes dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold from the air you breathe. Over time, the filter becomes dirty and clogged. This causes your furnace or air conditioner to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature. Most manufacturers recommend changing the HVAC filter every three months or once a month if you have pets or suffer from indoor allergies.
Dust and Vacuum Regularly to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Some common irritants are best removed through sweeping and vacuuming. It only takes a day or two for the dust to settle on surfaces in your home and affect the indoor air quality. Develop a habit of dusting and vacuuming regularly. If you are particularly sensitive to dust, pet dander, or mold, wear a mask while cleaning to avoid a reaction.
Keep Humidity Levels Stable
Humidity is a factor that impacts indoor air quality. Elevated humidity levels foster mold growth, which lowers the air quality indoors. However, dry air causes itchy sinuses and increases allergy symptoms. Use a hygrometer to track humidity levels in your home and use a combination of humidifiers and dehumidifiers throughout the year to manage the moisture.
Use Ventilation Fans to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Turn on the range hood fan to plug moisture and odors out of your home when cooking. Use the ventilation fan in the bathroom when showering to help reduce humidity. These fans are installed to boost air circulation and improve air quality. Encourage family members to use the fans and leave them running for 15 or 20 minutes after you’ve finished cooking or bathing.
Gorge Quality Home Inspections offers inspection services to home buyers and sellers in the Columbia River Gorge area. Contact us to request an appointment.