Air Conditioning Services, HVAC Repair

Tips for improving indoor air quality

3/20/2005

Venice Gondolier - Sunday, March 20, 2005

Indoor air pollutants can have significant and damaging effects on your health, including long-term issues, such as lung disease, lung cancer, asthma and respiratory tract infections.
In addition, indoor pollutants can cause headaches, nausea and lethargy. And while most people are aware of outdoor pollution car exhaust, smog, etc. exposure to air pollutants such as dust, fragrances, mold, pollen, pet dander and smoke can be up to 100 times higher indoors.

Today many newer homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape, further lowering the quality of fresh air inside the home. On the other hand, older homes can be drafty or have leaks, which can affect the level of humidity in your home, as well as promote the growth of mold and mildew.

Following are some examples of easy steps to help improve the indoor air quality in your home no matter where you live.

Dust and biological contaminants:

  • Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction, and a rotating beater brush to loosen ground-in dirt. Two-ply bags with HEPA filters ensure the dirt stays in the bag. Install hard surface coverings on floors, windows and furniture they help repel dust.
  • Avoid pets inside your home. If you wish to keep a pet indoors make sure it is groomed often and keep them away from carpets, furniture and beds. Wash bedding weekly at a hot setting.
  • Use hypoallergenic dust covers on your mattress and pillows to deter dust mites and other biological contaminants.

Odors, fumes and gases:

  • Keep interior doors leading directly into the garage closed. Leave the garage door open at least 5 minutes after a car enters or leaves the garage.
  • Extinguish all burning embers in your fireplace before shutting the flue.
  • Leave the door open to any room that does not have a return vent.
  • Use non-toxic cleaning products. Keep them sealed and store them away from high traffic areas in your home.
  • Eliminate tobacco smoke in the home.
  • Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Humidity in your home:

  • Check your home for leaks near windows, doors, attic accesses and dryer vents.
  • Ensure your ductwork is inspected and cleaned by a professional.
  • Reduce static electricity in your home by installing a humidifier.
  • Maintain relative humidity in the 35 to 50% range. Over 50% can promote mold and other bacterial growths. Below 35% can cause sore throats, sinus congestion, skin disorders, warps in wooden furniture and floors, separation in wood floors, and gaps in molding.
  • If you live in a warmer, humid climate, be certain your air conditioning equipment is sized properly and ensure its in good working order for the best dehumidification. (If no air conditioning system is present, a dehumidifier can be a good option to maintain proper humidity in your home.) In colder climates, a humidifier may be used to increase humidity levels as needed.
  • Have a precision tune-up performed on your heating and cooling system twice each year for maximum efficiency, comfort and safety.

    Originally appeared in the Venice Gondolier on Sunday, March 20, 2005