Avoiding a bad air day: Service Experts offers suggestions for improving indoor air quality
Release date: 1/1/2004
With cold temperatures and harsh weather on the way for many parts of the country, most Americans will be whiling away their time indoors this winter. Although a warm house can offer protection from the elements, some homeowners may be putting themselves at risk by staying inside. According to environmental experts, recent research has found that the quality of air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
"If not enough fresh outdoor air enters your home, pollutants such as gaseous fumes from appliances and heating equipment, household chemicals, and dust and dirt can accumulate to levels that may pose health and comfort problems, especially for people who suffer from allergies and asthma," said Ian McKeen. "By taking some simple precautions, homeowners can dramatically improve the air quality inside their homes."
To help consumers clear the air and avoid potential health risks, Service Experts™ has developed the following tips for improving indoor air quality:
- Tackle Toxins. One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. Following are some common sources of indoor pollution that can be eliminated or at least controlled:
- Gas Connections. Make sure that natural gas connections, including those that supply ovens, stoves, water heaters and clothes dryers, are securely fastened and in good working order to prevent leakage. Fumes from a loose gas connection can be harmful if inhaled. If you suspect any problems or smell gas inside the house, be sure to contact the fire department immediately.
- Household Chemicals. It's also important to make sure household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, pesticides, paints and other toxic substances, are properly sealed and stored to eliminate hazardous fumes. These chemicals should never be stored near a vent where the toxic fumes might be drawn in and circulated through the home.
- Heating Systems. Service Experts recommends hiring a professional heating and cooling service company, to tune-up heating and ventilation systems at least once a year for any major "wear and tear" that may have occurred during the previous heating season. In some cases, cracks can form in a furnace's heat exchanger, causing hazardous carbon monoxide gas to seep into the surrounding air. A routine maintenance checkup will help uncover these types of problems as well as any other repairs that are needed. Installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, especially near sleeping areas, is also recommended.
- Fireplaces/Woodstoves. Consumer must ensure that doors on wood burning stoves should fit securely and maintain a tight seal to prevent smoke from leaking out. It's also important to make sure that fireplaces are in perfect working order and free of debris before lighting the first fire of the season.
- Smoking. Consider eliminating cigar and cigarette smoking inside the home. If smoking indoors cannot be avoided, be sure to open a window or use a fan to clear the air in that area.
- Ventilate and Circulate. Another way to reduce indoor air pollutants is to weaken their concentration by circulating fresh outdoor air through the home. By increasing the ventilation inside a home using the following tips, homeowners can easily improve their indoor air quality. Some simple steps to better ventilation include:
- Exhaust Fans. Service Experts recommends installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. These fans will remove contaminants directly from the room and also increase the circulation of outdoor air.
- Air Filters. To ensure clean air is circulating freely throughout the house, make sure the heating system's air filters are clean and free of debris. Service Experts recommends changing furnace air filters about once a month, depending upon the lifestyle of the home's inhabitants. For example, if pets and smoking are allowed indoors, the homeowner may need to change the filters more often.
- Windows and Doors. If weather allows, try opening windows and doors for a short time to let fresh outdoor air circulate throughout the home.
- Make a Clean Sweep. A third step for improving indoor air quality is to use an air cleaning device or a humidifier, which can be purchased at home improvement stores or through a heating and cooling service company. Following are some of the most common ways to clean indoor air:
- Air Cleaners. Air cleaning devices come in a variety of sizes and prices. They clean the air by drawing dirty air in, collecting particulates through a filtering system and blowing cleaner air out. Less expensive tabletop models are ideal for a single room, but more expensive full-house cleaners also are available. Consult with a hardware professional or an indoor comfort specialist to determine which device will best meet particular needs.
- Dehumidifiers. Too much moisture in the home can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can affect air quality and cause eye, nose and throat irritation, especially for people with allergies and asthma. To reduce humidity levels in the home, consider using a dehumidifier. There are both room-size models and whole-house units available.
- Cleaning and Dusting. Service Experts also recommends keeping the house clean and dust-free year-round by vacuuming and cleaning on a regular basis, which will decrease the accumulation of allergens and other pollutants.
By taking a few extra steps, homeowners can significantly improve the indoor air quality of their home. From reducing hazardous emissions to adding proper ventilation to cleaning the air, homeowners can ensure they are breathing fresh, unpolluted air during the fall and winter months.
Service Experts is a reliable source for heating and cooling service provides installation, maintenance and repair of heating, air conditioning, ventilation and indoor air quality systems. Our goal is to provide indoor comfort solutions to make homes and workplaces comfortable, healthy and safe -- backed by the Service Experts 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.