Whether you work from your home or are only there to eat dinner and sleep, the quality of the air that you are breathing plays a major role in your health and well-being. Many of us know the signs of outdoor air pollution and how to avoid it but don’t realize the importance of taking time to improve indoor air quality in our homes. How can you act now to make your home a healthier place to live?
Change Your HVAC Filter to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The filter for your HVAC system is responsible for filtering out debris and dust that would otherwise be re-circulated through your vents. Once the air filter is full of detritus, your heating or cooling system will need to work harder to treat the air in your home.
Change the filters on your system at least once a quarter or once a month if you have pets, anyone in your home has allergies, or you want better indoor air quality.
Ventilate Your Home Properly
Another great way to improve indoor air quality is boosting ventilation. Use bathroom and kitchen fans after showering or cooking to remove contaminants and moist air from your home.
If you are using toxic substances like paint or paint stripper or performing dust-producing activities like sanding, keep all of the windows open.
Have a Home Inspection to Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you’ve been living in your home for an extended period of time, there’s a good chance that it has not been inspected since you first moved in.
A home inspector can conduct a detailed inspection of your property that pinpoints potential air quality issues, like dirty filters, malfunctioning HVAC components, and mold growth. After your inspection, you will receive a report with action items.
Use an Air Purifier
In some cases, changing your filter and improving ventilation is not enough to eliminate the signs of indoor allergies. An air purifier will improve indoor air quality throughout your home or in a specific space where you spend a lot of time.
Many homeowners place them in their office or bedroom to keep the air clean and prevent symptoms of poor air quality from hampering their comfort.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Good cleaning habits will lower the amount of dust, pet dander, hair, and allergens present in your home. Vacuum carpets and rugs twice a week with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
Beyond washing your sheets and bedding, regularly wash your drapes and pillows. Upholstery can accumulate a great deal of dust, dander, and other irritants over time without proper cleaning.
Clarity Home Inspection provides inspection services to customers in the northern and central regions of New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.