Indoor air quality is an extremely important aspect of Northwest homes. Dust particles, mold, pet dander, and other pollutants can easily accumulate and cause health issues for people with allergies. Thankfully, there are ways to maximize indoor air quality in the home.
Homeowners should start by checking for major sources of air pollution inside the home. Check items such as carpets, furniture, and other significant particle attractors. Clean the house routinely by vacuuming and dusting regularly to reduce the amount of pollutants.
The heating system and air ducts should be cleaned and serviced annually by a certified technician. This helps to reduce the amount of dust and other irritants from entering the home. Homeowners should also use high efficiency furnace filters when possible, to reduce the amount of pollutants that are circulated in the home.
Ventilation Is Essential
Ventilation is a key element of ensuring indoor air quality. To maximize air flow, open windows when possible, or run a fan. Fans help to remove extra moisture from the air, reducing the chance of mold and mildew growth. Air conditioners help to reduce pollutants as well, but these units may need to be regularly cleaned to function properly.
Air purifiers help to filter particles and pollutants out of the air. For larger homes, a whole house purification system is recommended. These systems are designed to filter out the air throughout the home. Some models also include built-in air fresheners to help reduce odors.
Minimizing Pollutants
In addition to the above strategies, homeowners should be aware of ways to minimize air pollutants in the home. This includes controlling pet odors, avoiding smoking indoors, reducing aerosol usage, and ensuring chimney systems are in working order. Properly stored household chemicals can also reduce foul odors, as can the use of fragrances.
Homeowners should also test for radon in their home, as this can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Regular maintenance and inspection of home systems is also beneficial for overall indoor air quality.
Finally, it is recommended to have an HVAC system checked each year to ensure proper function and that the system is running efficiently. This will help to reduce the amount of pollutants that are entering the home, while also keeping the system running optimally.
Pollutant Reduction Strategies
- Remove major air pollutants from the home.
- Clean the house regularly to reduce dust and other particles.
- Service heating and cooling systems regularly and use high efficiency filters.
- Increase ventilation in the home using windows and fans.
- Use air purifiers to filter particles from the air.
- Limit pet odors, smoking, aerosol use, and chimney systems.
- Store household chemicals properly and use fragrances to reduce odors.
- Test for radon and inspect home systems regularly.
- Have the HVAC system checked once per year.
Conclusion
Ensuring that indoor air quality is high is a key element of taking care of a Northwest home. Pollutants can easily enter a home and cause health issues if left untreated. Thankfully, there are several strategies that can be used to maximize the quality of air in the home, including reducing sources of pollution, increasing ventilation, and using air purifiers.