Ways to Reduce Poor Indoor Air Quality
With the change in weather, your allergies are bound to act up. Staying outside for too long can trigger an allergic reaction that will leave you wanting to spend the rest of the day in bed instead of soaking up the rays. There are proper ways to help with outdoor allergies, like medicine and herbs, but your allergies may also be affected by poor indoor air quality. It does you no good to prepare for outdoor allergies only to be faced with a reaction from indoor issues.
The air quality in our homes tend to be more of a problem than the air quality outside. Poor indoor air quality can make your allergies worse and cause other health issues within your home. The sources of poor indoor air quality can range from an overuse of air fresheners, harsh chemicals and smoking. Indoor pollution can make you feel groggy and sick, too. Consider these simple steps to reduce indoor pollution:
Prevent the Problems Before They Arise
This is the best step to take when dealing with indoor air quality. It’s easy to create indoor pollution inside of your home but it’s hard to get rid of it. Rather than letting the problem manifest, prevent it with a few of these options:
- Ventilate. Cooking, cleaning, using hair spray and polishing your nails can release volatile organic compounds that are linked to a variety of health problems. Use exhaust hoods or fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce your exposure and minimize humidity that can cause mold and mildew. Before you use your fireplace, make sure the flue damper is wide open. Poor ventilation can allow pollutants to stay in the air.
- No Smoking. Don’t smoke or allow others to do so in your home or car. You know the risks that are associated with smoking.
- Eliminate Rather than Masking Odors. Find the source of bad smells and clean it up. Where appropriate, use a box of baking soda in the area instead of air fresheners.
- Make Your Cleaning Count. Because dust can harbor pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mites, mold, and mildew, dust furnishings regularly with a damp rag or an electrostatically charged duster. Vacuum often, ideally with a low-emissions vacuum.
- Control Critters. Seal cracks and crevices and put food away. You’ll be less likely to attract pests and need to use pesticides. To minimize your exposure to pet dander, banish pets from sleeping areas and upholstered furniture.
Change Your Air Filter
The most important thing you can do as a homeowner to combat poor indoor air quality is to remember to check and/or change your HVAC air filter every 30 days. We recommend setting calendar reminders and writing the date on the filter every time you replace it. This way, you will always remember to check your filter and know exactly how long it has been in use.
Interstate offers a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality service to protect you and your family from in-home pollution. People with poor indoor air are more likely to suffer from asthma, respiratory infections, and allergy attacks.
Scheduling an IAQ appointment with Interstate guarantees that a trained and professional technician will be at your door as soon as possible. We take the health of your family seriously, and are proud to offer this important service. Let’s get you started on the way to better indoor air quality! Call Interstate for an in-home IAQ evaluation: (405) 794-8900.
For information or assistance with HVAC efficiency, give Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 405-794-8900.
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