It’s important to consider indoor air quality, especially during the winter. People spend most of their time indoors during winter months, whether it be at the workplace, at home, or in a vehicle. According to the EPA, indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. One of the main reasons this is true, is because of inadequate ventilation. Without ventilation air becomes stale, causing sicknesses, the common cold increased allergies and uncomfortable environments. Air will become dry, skin will crack, woodwork in homes crack and warp, static shocks become frequent.
Here is a list of things that you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality:
- Consider using an attic fan, kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan, to increase ventilation. Don’t use exhaust fans too long, since it pulls the warm air out of your house, increasing your energy bills
- Upgrading your furnace filter to a HEPA filter will help take contaminants out of the air
- On mild winter days, briefly open windows or doors to freshen the air and eliminate built-up toxins from carpets, dust, and poor air circulation
- Keep the humidity level in your home at 30% to 50% to prevent dust mites, mold and mildew from growing rampant
- Consider a whole- house humidifier, which attaches to your existing furnace
- Regular cleaning, dusting and vacuuming will help a great deal with keeping air pollutants to a minimum
- Try to do household cleaning at least once a week
- The most effective way to keep the air in your home healthy is to keep things out of your home that causes air pollution, including cigarette smoke, excess moisture, and chemicals
- Try to avoid the use of any pesticides, chemical cleaners, and air fresheners
- An ultra-violet lamp that attaches to the inside of your furnace will eliminate mold spores, airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses (H1N1, Influenza, Strep), fungi, and more
- It will also reduce odors by treating the air/furnace with UV sterilization 24/7
Conclusion
Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family this winter, and Contact Us at 651-294-7798 with questions and concerns.
Our employees are experts with indoor air quality and can help you choose the equipment that is right for your home.
