How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

There are a lot of indicators right here in the Denver Metro area of air quality problems. From bumper to bumper traffic to industrial smokestacks releasing chemicals into the air, you can almost see the mixture with your own eyes. 

While that may make you run indoors for a breath of fresh air, don’t think you’ll find solace at home. The EPA reports that the concentration of some pollutants can be as much as five times higher inside, which can be of concern considering the average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. 

Luckily, there are things you can do to return the odds to your favor. With a little preventative maintenance, there are easy steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality, and create a healthier living environment for you and your family. 

What’s in your home’s indoor air supply

Air quality can be difficult to understand because you can’t look into a room and see the problem. Air quality can be impacted by a host of issues that may exist without your knowledge. 

Every time you open your doors and windows, pollutants from outside can filter in. Though houses are more energy efficient than ever before, they still allow things to filter between cracks and leaks. Carbon monoxide is a common air pollutant created by burning natural gas. Even the most efficient heating systems can leave lingering particles. Older homes can have asbestos or lead. Every home can have mold or mildew lingering from even small traces of water damage. You can bring in many different chemicals on your home furnishings or cleaning products. No matter how much you try to change, various chemicals are there. 

Reducing your exposure is a start. It’s equally important to do simple things to change the way pollutants flow. 

Change out air filters

Every time your furnace or air conditioner turns on, air moves through the air filter before releasing to your tooms. They filter out many of the pollutants you live with every day. Change them out seasonally, or monthly depending on how busy your household is. 

Check ductwork

Air ducts are responsible for pushing conditioned air into every room in your home. If the ductwork isn’t installed correctly, or has contaminants lurking inside, those pollutants are being delivered every time your HVAC equipment turns on. Cleaning your ductwork may help if you haven’t had them professionally cleaned. Inspecting them will also ensure they are operating correctly and keeping your house clean. 

Control humidity

People don’t associate Colorado with humid conditions. Yet mold and mildew are prevalent throughout the metro area. Controlling damp and moist conditions can prevent buildup inside your home, and control the things that trigger allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. A whole house humidifier may be needed to keep your home comfortable all year long. 

Ventilation

Part of an HVAC system is ventilation. It extends beyond the ductwork, delivering heat and cooled air. Ventilation is important in your kitchen to keep carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from building if you use gas appliances. Mold and mildew can accumulate in bathrooms or laundry rooms. 

Need help? Want to improve your home’s indoor air quality now that you’re spending even more time at home? Give us a call today.