Cures for Common Indoor Air Quality Problems
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside. When many of us are spending most of our day indoors, this can become problematic. Improper ventilation, carpeting, upholstery, cleaning agents, smoke, mold, mildew, dust and other airborne particulates play a big role in the quality of our indoor air. So, what can you do about it?
Stop Problems Where They Start
Many causes of poor air quality can be avoided when proper action is taken. If you are aware of leaks on your roof, in your basement, crawlspace or foundation, fix the leaks immediately. Leaks in these spaces can lead to the growth of hazardous mold and/or mildew. In addition to leaks, poorly ventilated areas can also contribute to mold and mildew growth. Be sure to ventilate bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms that are prone to intense moisture levels. Ventilating these rooms will also help prevent odors from traveling to other areas of your home.
Another significant indoor pollutant is smoke. Make your home tobacco free and limit the use of wood burning fires and candles. These sources can produce harmful byproducts, fine particulates and other odors that can pollute the air.
You can also prevent problems before they happen by storing toxic products outside the home and not letting your car idle inside the garage. Exhaust, solvents, cleaning agents, paints, pesticides and other potentially harmful elements should be kept away from the indoor living space whenever possible.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your home regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air fresh. Use a damp cloth or mop when cleaning surfaces to avoid stirring dust and other particulates into the air. When you clean, try to use all natural cleaning products. Newer “green” cleaning agents marked “low VOC” (volatile organic compounds) cut down on odors and toxins.
Vacuuming your home at least once a week also helps to eliminate allergens that frequently collect in carpets and rugs, especially when using a HEPA vacuum. Regularly washing linens and draperies using hot water can also help to fight allergens and dust mites.
Other Preventative Measures
Changing your air filter helps to cut down on the airborne particulates floating around. Plan to change or clean your home heating and cooling system’s air filter at least every thirty days, or when it appears dirty, to maintain optimal efficiency.
Consider installing an air cleaner like a MicroPower Guard Air Cleaner, or a UV Germicidal lamp to purify the air. They can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, mold spores, dust mites, mildew, bacteria, virus, fungi, tobacco smoke etc. that cause or aggravate most respiratory illnesses and allergies.
If you do all these things and you still have concerns, it might be a good idea to test the air quality. Properly trained professionals can perform testing and monitoring to identify causes of poor air quality and help you eliminate them at their source.
No home is without its fair share of indoor air pollution. Taking these steps towards eliminating airborne particulates, allergens, contaminates and odors can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe. Your indoor air will smell better, you’ll breathe easier, and live healthier.
Contact us today to learn more about our indoor air quality products and services. You can also learn more about some of our air quality solutions by checking out our blog.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside. When many of us are spending most of our day indoors, this can become problematic. Improper ventilation, carpeting, upholstery, cleaning agents, smoke, mold, mildew, dust and other airborne particulates play a big role in the quality of our indoor air. So, what can you do about it?Stop Problems Where They Start
Many causes of poor air quality can be avoided when proper action is taken. If you are aware of leaks on your roof, in your basement, crawlspace or foundation, fix the leaks immediately. Leaks in these spaces can lead to the growth of hazardous mold and/or mildew. In addition to leaks, poorly ventilated areas can also contribute to mold and mildew growth. Be sure to ventilate bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms that are prone to intense moisture levels. Ventilating these rooms will also help prevent odors from traveling to other areas of your home.
Another significant indoor pollutant is smoke. Make your home tobacco free and limit the use of wood burning fires and candles. These sources can produce harmful byproducts, fine particulates and other odors that can pollute the air.
You can also prevent problems before they happen by storing toxic products outside the home and not letting your car idle inside the garage. Exhaust, solvents, cleaning agents, paints, pesticides and other potentially harmful elements should be kept away from the indoor living space whenever possible.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your home regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air fresh. Use a damp cloth or mop when cleaning surfaces to avoid stirring dust and other particulates into the air. When you clean, try to use all natural cleaning products. Newer “green” cleaning agents marked “low VOC” (volatile organic compounds) cut down on odors and toxins.
Vacuuming your home at least once a week also helps to eliminate allergens that frequently collect in carpets and rugs, especially when using a HEPA vacuum. Regularly washing linens and draperies using hot water can also help to fight allergens and dust mites.
Other Preventative Measures
Changing your air filter helps to cut down on the airborne particulates floating around. Plan to change or clean your home heating and cooling system’s air filter at least every thirty days, or when it appears dirty, to maintain optimal efficiency.
Consider installing an air cleaner like a MicroPower Guard Air Cleaner, or a UV Germicidal lamp to purify the air. They can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, mold spores, dust mites, mildew, bacteria, virus, fungi, tobacco smoke etc. that cause or aggravate most respiratory illnesses and allergies.
If you do all these things and you still have concerns, it might be a good idea to test the air quality. Properly trained professionals can perform testing and monitoring to identify causes of poor air quality and help you eliminate them at their source.
No home is without its fair share of indoor air pollution. Taking these steps towards eliminating airborne particulates, allergens, contaminates and odors can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe. Your indoor air will smell better, you’ll breathe easier, and live healthier.
Contact us today to learn more about our indoor air quality products and services. You can also learn more about some of our air quality solutions by checking out our blog.
