Americans are increasingly aware of the importance of indoor air quality. Until recently, most of us have thought about it in terms of pollutants. Now, with the spread of COVID-19, respiratory hygiene is also at the top of our minds. The impact of poor-quality air is no laughing matter: it can worsen allergies, asthma and respiratory illnesses and even affect overall health.
Here’s how you can promote good air quality at your home or office – the places we spend most of our lives.
Crack windows wisely
Fresh air isn’t always fresh. Check your local weather forecast for an update on the air quality in your area. If it’s good, open a window. If not, keep them closed to avoid dust and pollutants from settling in your home or office.
Use your fans
Turn on your range hood fan when cooking to avoid pollutants spilling into your living spaces. If you don’t have one, open a window so that pollutants don’t settle inside. Also make use of bathroom fans as these can help wick away moisture responsible for causing mold and mildew.
Monitor relative humidity
High humidity is associated with mold growth and certain health problems, while very dry air can be bad for the longs. So you want to make sure your indoor air quality is monitored. To keep an eye on your home or office’s humidity levels, install a thermostat and set it to between 40% and 60%.
Clean your HVAC filters
Your HVAC filters degrade over time. Older filters become congested with dust and other pollutants, restricting airflow through your system and potentially releasing dust back into the building. Clean filters regularly for best results.
Decorate with plants
There are a lot of benefits to decorating with plants. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and expel oxygen, improving the overall air quality of your home or office. Snake plants, lavender, aloe vera, spider plants and peace lilies are all great natural air filters.
Clean your air ducts
Air ducts that are in poor condition can circulate pollutants around the building. Schedule regular maintenance of your HVAC’s air ducts every few years to avoid dust build-up and prevent mold issues.
Dust and vacuum
Pet dander is a major contributor to asthma and allergies. Regular dusting, sweeping and vacuuming collects shed hair and dander, improving air quality for all, and especially for those with allergies.
Keep the chemicals outside
If you’ve been storing paints, solvents or pesticides in the home, now’s the time to move them to a work shed or garage. This reduces the risk of harmful compounds being released into living spaces.
Don’t smoke inside
Cigarettes and vape pens both affect indoor air quality. The smoke and chemicals in both linger in the air and settle on furniture and fabrics, exacerbating respiratory conditions. Scented candles and incense are also bad for the lungs. Improve your air quality by ensuring any smoking, vaping or incense burning takes place outdoors.
Maintain your HVAC system
A well-maintained HVAC system blows clean air around your home or office. An old, poorly maintained one, on the other hand, can do more harm than good. We’ve seen some doozies. Book a regular service for your HVAC system to make sure it isn’t dispersing pollutants and chemicals throughout your building or home.
At Shaw Services we’re experts at helping improve the air quality of your home and office through the design, maintenance and installation of HVAC systems. To arrange an appointment and ensure that your air quality is at the levels it should be, call Shaw at 571-261-3800 or use the form below.