It’s common knowledge that indoor air is substantially more polluted than the air outside, but most people don’t worry about the threats and possible health risks that pollutants pose. People who have asthma, allergies and respiratory issues are more susceptible to the effects of poor air quality and are more likely to search for remedies for this problem, but these issues should be important to everyone.
Dilute Pollutants
In Chicago and other parts of Illinois, air quality may actually worsen in the winter because there are so few opportunities to open windows. Increasing ventilation is one of the most effective ways to improve air quality and make your home a healthier place. Energy recovery ventilators are an excellent choice for exhausting indoor air, bringing in fresh air and maintaining comfortable temperatures. These devices capture energy from conditioned air and use it to treat fresh outdoor air. Assessing attic vents and building features that enhance passive ventilation may also be beneficial.
Remove Pollutants
Physically removing pollutants is an effective way to improve indoor air quality. This process is possible because air is constantly recirculated by your heating and cooling system. You can remove more pollutants by upgrading to moderate air filters with a MERV rating of seven or eight. If you really want to go after indoor air pollution, whole-house filters, air cleaners and UV lamps will target dust, bacteria, viruses and other common irritants. These products are installed in the ducts or in your HVAC unit.
Seal Ducts
If your ducts aren’t in good condition, dust and allergens from your attic or crawlspace will be pulled in and expelled through your registers. You may sneeze, cough and experience eye or airway irritation when your heater or air conditioner is running. In addition to alleviating these problems, duct sealing will improve overall efficiency. At Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning, we can assess your ducts and make any necessary repairs.
Clean Smart
Contaminants that cause indoor air pollution are tiny, which makes them difficult to remove. You can address some indoor air quality issues by dusting frequently, using a high-efficiency vacuum and paying extra attention to the baseboard area. Limit the use of air fresheners and powerful cleaning products. If you need to use these items, open a window to improve ventilation.
Control Humidity
Because dust mites, mold and other contaminants thrive in humid conditions, it’s important to monitor moisture levels. Try to keep the relative humidity in your home near 40 percent. Only use air humidifiers in the winter to prevent dry conditions that cause airway irritation and other problems.
Is your home plagued by indoor air pollution? Do you suffer from allergies? Let us complete an assessment. Our experts will inspect key areas and suggest ways to correct your problem. Call us today to learn more about our air quality products and services.
