The Wasatch front gets most of the attention for poor air quality in Utah, especially during winter inversion layers. But even if you live in an area with relatively wide-open spaces and clean air, you may unknowingly be breathing in a lot of pollutants every day inside your own home.
Indoor air quality can, oftentimes, be worse than outdoor quality, posing various health hazards for you and your family. Clean air is even more important if you or someone you live with has respiratory problems or allergies. Thankfully, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to get cleaner air in your home.
Here are a few tips for improving the air quality at home.
Switch On the A/C
Turning on the air conditioner in the summer can actually help clean out the air. Since a vast number of pollutants are water-soluble and air conditioners work by removing water from the air, they also remove many pollutants as a side-effect. Air conditioners are also helpful for removing pollen and other particles.
Having your AC unit regularly serviced helps it run cleaner and more efficiently, and also helps stop unhealthy, excessively dry air from entering your home.
Use Hepa Filters
One of the ways to make your AC more effective at cleaning the air is by using HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. These filters are extremely effective at removing pollutants. Investing in a HEPA filter vacuum can also help improve air quality as you’ll pick up far more pollutants while cleaning and prevent them from entering the indoor atmosphere. Replace air filters at least every three months for cleaner air.
Invest in an Air Purification System
Air purification systems can be a good investment, particularly if you suffer from allergies or frequently have respiratory problems. These systems generally target three classes of indoor contaminants: particles, mold/mildew/bacteria, and odors/chemical vapors. An air purification system works in conjunction with your AC to remove pollutants.
Remove Pet Allergens
As lovable and cuddly as they are, pets are a major source of allergens. Reducing pet allergies can be achieved by keeping pets out of bedrooms or minimizing their time in the house altogether. Giving your pet a regular bath and grooming can also be helpful.
Get Rid of Dust Mites
These tiny microscopic critters are the most common cause of allergies from house dust and can be found just about everywhere, from underneath the couch to up in the air. There are several things you can do to combat them including keeping humidity between 30-35 percent, using a HEPA filter vacuum, and washing bedding once a week.
Clean air quality requires the right balance. Too much humidity fosters the growth of mold, dust mites, and other air contaminants. Adding a humidifier to your home can make a big difference.
Having regular duct cleaning helps stop dusty, dirty air particles from reaching your home.
Taking steps to get cleaner in your home lets your whole family live more comfortably and healthier. Click here to learn more about our indoor air quality solutions.