We may not be able to see it, but air is all around us. As you might expect but rarely consider, the air we let into our lungs has a huge effect on how we live our lives. Fresh air can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, but poor air quality can give you a bad headache, both literally and metaphorically. Here are 6 easy ways to improve air quality in your home so that you and your family can breathe easier.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your air filter catches common contaminants as the air is pushed through your air conditioning system which helps ensure that the air you breathe is cleaner and fresher. It also prevents premature wear and tear on your air conditioning system which saves you money on repairs and replacements. For optimal results, your air filter should be changed at least once every three months. You may need to change your air filter more often if you live in a home that has pets or individuals who suffer from allergies.
2. Make Sure to Clean Out The Filters Of Other Household Appliances
Your AC air filter shouldn’t be the only filter that gets routine attention; household appliances, such as your vacuum cleaner, dryer vents, and kitchen vents, should also be cleaned regularly. A lot of bacteria and harmful air-borne contaminants can get caught and redistributed back into your home from these areas if they are not properly maintained. Others, such as your dryer vent, can create a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly. Keeping track of so many filters might seem overwhelming, but creating a maintenance checklist can help you make sure you don’t miss a spot.
3. Get Routine Air Duct Cleanings
Air ducts are the travel ways that your conditioned air takes to get to the different parts of your home, so it’s important to make sure they stay clean. Otherwise, air that started out as clean might pick up harmful contaminants by the time it reaches you. To remove dander and mold, air ducts should be cleaned at least once a year. This is also a good time to get the air ducts inspected for damages.
4. Always Use Cooking Vents When Making Food
Using cooking events is especially important if you are working with a gas stove vs. an electric one as gas stoves can release harmful contaminants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. A kitchen vent can help ensure that these harmful contaminants are able to escape safely out of your home and without having a detrimental effect on your air quality. It also prevents the smell of grease from lingering in your home.
5. Keep Your Rugs and Carpets Clean
Similar to air filters, rugs and carpets can trap dust particles and pet dander. Unlike air filters, though, the contaminants don’t stay safely stored out of the way until they are removed. Instead, these particles can get released into the air as individuals walk on top of them. Weekly vacuuming can greatly improve the quality of your air by removing these contaminants from the carpet (without the hassle of having to regularly replace your rugs and carpets like you should your air filters).
6. Install a Humidifier or Air Purifier
Humidifiers and air purifiers work alongside your air conditioning unit to keep the air in your home at optimal comfort. Humidifiers reduce the amount of humidity in the home and keep irritants like mold and mildew from growing. Purifiers remove contaminants from the air that are not caught by your HVAC’s air filter to improve the quality of your home’s indoor air. This is extremely important for individuals who suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma or severe allergies
Want Help Improving Your Home’s Indoor Air?
Worried about your air quality? Let Select Air Conditioning & Heating help you get that weight off your chest. When you can’t see a problem, it may seem nearly impossible to solve, but that’s where the expertise of the Select Air Condition & Heating team comes in. We’ll work with you to make sure the air in your home is top quality—just like our services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!