There are many reasons you might be looking to improve the indoor air quality of your home, ranging from allergies to concerns about safety. Regardless of the reason, there are plenty of ways to boost the quality of air you and your family are breathing.
Zero to Low-Cost Options
- Change your filter: For most systems, if you are getting regular tune-ups for your HVAC system(s), your air filter is changed during that service call. However, some filters need to be cleaned or changed more frequently than once per year. Excess debris in your air filter blocks airflow and can push irritants, allergens, and pollutants back into your home.
- Buy an air-filtering houseplant: This aesthetically appealing option can give you a little boost in air quality with ease. Do your research to pick the right plant for your home (especially if you have pets), but according to NASA, English Ivy, Snake Plants, and Peace Lilies are a few examples of popular and effective air-filtering houseplants.
- Air out your home: When the weather is conducive, outdoor air (which is surprisingly far less polluted than indoor air) flowing through the home can sweep out pollutants in throughout the house with virtually zero effort and no cost.
- Use existing ventilation: Most homes have vents in the kitchens and bathrooms. When applicable, utilize these vents to pull polluted air out of your home.
- Stop using air-polluting products: Unfortunately, many home products on the market decrease air quality. Check the labels of soaps, cleaning products, and candles for synthetic scents, chemicals, and toxins. Additionally, stop using aerosols to reduce the number of harsh chemicals in your home.
- Clean more frequently: When you clean more regularly, you remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants and prevent them from spreading throughout the air. Areas in your home that tend to need extra attention are; rugs, carpets, high cupboards, door headers, molding, and any sneaky places that might be gathering debris.
Medium to High-Cost Options
- Upgrade to a higher-quality filter: Air filters range in effectiveness based on their MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it filters through your system. Before purchasing a new air filter, however, it is important to check to make sure it is compatible with your HVAC system.
- Buy an air purifier: There are a variety of excellent air purifiers on the market, ranging in price and effectiveness. Having an HVAC professional evaluate your home can help you find the air quality solutions that benefit you the most.
- Purchase a dehumidifier or humidifier: Most HVAC systems monitor humidity levels, but it is important to note that too much moisture can lead to mold. Too little can increase the effects of certain irritants. Maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home helps with both air quality levels and overall comfort.
- Have your ducts professionally cleaned: Having your ductwork cleaned ensures that debris collected in the ducts isn’t being blown back into the home. Additionally, unrestricted airflow is essential for maintaining clean air and helps with your HVAC system’s efficiency.
- Repair or replace ductwork: If your ductwork is leaky or filled with debris, this can create poor indoor air quality, lower overall efficiency and higher energy bills.
- Get an air quality test done: When you have an air quality test performed on your home, the professional will be able to identify the source of irritants, allergens, and harmful pollutants. This process allows you to address any issues that may come up and they can offer solutions to rectify them.
Reach out to our team to talk about the best indoor air quality solutions for your home.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts can help.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088 or info@piercerefrig.com.