Make Improvements to Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality for Health’s Sake
Originally published in March 2016, updated March 2020.
The quality of the air you breathe is important to your health. Airborne contaminants can cause asthma, allergies and a variety of other illnesses. And the worst offender is often the air in your own home. How do you get rid of these contaminants and improve indoor air quality? Here are a few tips.
- Stop it at the source. The first step is simply to reduce or eliminate the things in your home that cause air pollution. Don’t use pesticides or other chemicals. Even air fresheners can be hazardous. Try not to use paint thinner and other solvents in the house. When purchasing new furniture or carpeting, look for “green” products that don’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time.
- Ventilate. One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to make sure you always have a steady supply of fresh air from outdoors coming into your home. Keep windows open when you can, and make sure your house is well-ventilated.
- Clean up. Anywhere there’s a layer of dust or dirt in your home, that dirt is getting into your air and likely your vents, to be circulated through your entire home. Dust and vacuum regularly to eliminate these contaminants, as well as things like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens.
- Control humidity. One drawback to living in Delaware is the high humidity. When humidity levels get above about 60 percent, the air fosters mold, bacteria and a host of other contaminants. Running the HVAC system dehumidifies the air, but in periods of lower humidity, it can over-compensate, bringing humidity levels below 30 percent. This can lead to skin and throat irritation, as well as viruses and other health issues. Invest in a whole-house humidifier, which allows you to control your home’s humidity and keep it at a manageable level.
- Get an air cleaner. An efficient air cleaner with a high air circulation rate can supplement your
More on Air Cleaners and Purifiers for Indoor Air Quality
Air cleaners reduce indoor pollutants by filtering airborne particles. Air purifiers reduce pollutants circulating indoors such as odors or biologic growth by penetrating the structure of the pollutant and breaking it up. We offer a wide selection of cleaners and purifiers that keep your indoor air pollutant-free:
- Mechanical Filters That Collect Particulates
- Electronic Air Cleaners That Trap Particles
- Ultraviolet Lights That Destroy Pollutants
One of the most effective air purifiers, the award-winning REME HALO® whole home in-duct air purifier is the next generation of indoor air quality (IAQ) technology. REME HALO® was designed to work just like nature in purifying the air. With this air purifier you can have fresh air without opening your windows. It’s effective against the three categories of air pollutants, which are particulates, microbiol, and gases. It has been thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria, and viruses like e-coli, Norwalk, MRSA, and more.
For more information on how to improve indoor air quality in your home, contact us at Custom Mechanical.