In the first three parts of this series, we presented a slew of information about the importance of Indoor Air Quality, listing numerous forms of indoor air pollution and how deadly some of these pollutants can be. Additionally, we explained the health effects of indoor pollution and went through a list of some of the products and services we offer at Springfield Heating & Cooling as we wish to help homeowners enjoy cleaner, safer, healthier indoor air.
In this final part of our four-part series, we offer some suggestions for homeowners on ways they improve the air quality in their home.
Remember to Use Ventilation
Every time you are cooking in your kitchen, or taking a shower in your bathroom, never forget to use as much ventilation as possible. Moreover, any time you do something that generates any amount of steam or smoke of any kind, remember to use as much ventilation as possible..
Why?
For one, our bathrooms generate more moisture than anywhere else in our homes.
Aside from the bathroom, our kitchens are another red flag place to keep in mind because it is the source of a host of fumes that arise when we cook and spread throughout the home. The kitchen gives off smoke, grease, carcinogens, and other fumes from cleaning supplies.
Whenever you observe any amount of smoke in your home, whether it’s aerosol spray, or any other fumes or types of particles, remember to utilize whatever kind of ventilation you might have available, whatever that might be.
In fact, if all else fails, crack open a window and turn on a household fan to allow the pollution to get out.
Always remember, anytime it comes to indoor air pollution in the home, ventilation is vital.
Try Smart Dusting
The tiny particles of mold, dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants can make the quality of air in a home quite hazardous. Your job is to eliminate as many of these sources as possible. To do so, we suggest something known as “smart dusting.”
You might be asking: What is “smart dusting?”
“Smart dusting” is simple, and common sense. When the time comes to clean your home and do your dusting, the goal is to remove all of the dust instead of pushing it around and allowing it to end up on the ground. In order to “smart dust” you start dusting at the highest points in your home. Dusting off these areas first enables you to make sure you’re removing all of it because when you’re finished up there, you begin working your way downward to the lower areas. By doing it this way, the dust will naturally fall. However, because you’re working your way down it won’t end up landing where you have already dusted.In this way “smart dusting” enables you to clean out the dust more efficiently.
However, that’s not all. There’s more:
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We suggest making your “smart dusting” even “smarter,” by using a dampened cloth rather than that old feather duster or dry rag that does nothing but push the dust around. A dampened cloth does a far better job of collecting all the dust instead of moving it from one place to another. Don’t forget to periodically rinse out the cloth and give it a good squeeze.
And since you’re starting up high, don’t forget those ceiling fans, blinds and curtains first.
Pillow Covers Keeps Dust Mites Out
There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day at work and at the end of your evening you get into bed to snuggle up to your favorite pillow.
Unfortunately, scientists say, you aren’t the only one that loves that comfy pillow. Dust mites love our pillows and they are known to thrive inside them. This ghastly revelation becomes evident in recent studies revealing how mattresses and pillows actually gain a minute amount of weight over time because of the buildup of their droppings and other waste these tiny bedfellows leave behind. When you grasp this in its fullness, you are less likely to look at your pillow the same anymore.
The solution is washable pillowcase covers, which we suggest to enhance your indoor air quality. Protecting your pillows with a pillowcase enables you to enjoy your favorite pillow without these invisible bugs. Furthermore, you can keep your pillowcase clean by washing it once every month. And, depending on the type of pillow you have, you can usually wash it every season when the weather changes.
Cover Your Mattresses and Beds As Well
If you liked the latter concept of putting a cover for your pillow, we suggest taking it one step further by using covers for your mattress as well. This is a good idea if you suffer from allergies. Like pillows, mattresses also can become an oasis for these tiny dust mites. Finally, we suggest frequently cleaning your headboards and bed frames, especially if they are covered with fabric.
Keep the Air Pollution Outside
If you are suffering from indoor air pollution such as allergens, remember to keep your windows closed at all times to keep pollen and other particles at bay. More important than that, we suggest enforcing a policy of “no shoes in the house” to make sure everyone removes their shoes before entering your home. To foster this idea, you might establish an area at the entryway designated for shoes. You might also place a mat there for visitors to clean off their feet. Unless you are vigilant people and pets shuffling in and out day after day will continue to drag pollutants inside with them.
A Cool Home Helps Curb Humidity
Do you know someone who’s ever had to get their home treated for mold? If so, you probably realize how dangerous mold can be in a dwelling, or how expensive the cost can be for treatment. Mold can be some insidious stuff, expensive and dangerous. A lot of times, a homeowner might not even know there is mold growing in their home.
Because mold and mildew are able to devastate a person’s respiratory system, the health consequences go above and beyond minor symptoms of allergies. We discussed how helpful dehumidifiers can be. However, a cheaper strategy for keeping mold at bay is to sustain cool temperatures in your home. This will help curb humidity levels because mold and dust mites need humid and damp conditions to thrive. In any case, when it comes to mold, it’s definitely not worth risking your health.
Always Use a HEPA Filter on Vacuum
In the fight against indoor air pollution, research reveals that not all vacuum cleaners were created equal: Certain types of vacuum cleaners do a better job at stopping the spread of indoor air pollution than others. This is why we recommend getting a bagless vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. This will go a long way.
On a side note, if you ever decide to replace any of your flooring, consider using wood flooring. Wood flooring and other hard flooring can be dusted and mopped so they are much better options than carpeting for anyone who is looking to improve air quality, or who suffers from any allergy problems.
Put Your Health and Safety First: Get a Professional Air Quality Test
Having a professional perform an Indoor Air Quality test is the best and most advisable option when it comes to ensuring your health and keeping your indoor air safe.
One of our certified technicians will perform the test and he will check for things like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde. Although there are tests that look for allergens, mold, and other particles, it’s important to consider if you need to check for radon or other gases that may be silently poisoning the air in your home.
The most reliable tests are only available from professionals who are certified and qualified to perform them. If you are thinking about using a Do-It-Yourself test kit from a store, you should be warned that those tests tend to be very limited in scope and you always run the risk of it not being accurate. If you have your testing done by a professional as suggested and he or she discovers an indoor air quality problem, he or she can tell you how to resolve it the same day.
REMEMBER YOUR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
Last but not least, if you are striving to get a handle on the air quality in your home, remember that standard seasonal maintenance will benefit you in a multitude of ways.
When we come out for a maintenance call, we will not only ensure your system’s continued optimal operation (which will improve the quality of the air in your home), but we will also identify any minor problems that might be quietly brewing. These little problems tend to escalate and show up as big problems in the future, often culminating in a full breakdown.
Our friendly technicians go through a long list of cleaning operations; they carefully fine-tune your HVAC system and conduct numerous checks and inspections; they analyze the condition of your air ducts and, of course, check your air filters and every other area that could possibly need attention.
When it comes to your home’s valuable HVAC system, we have a saying: It will always pays off, in the end, in dividends, if you are proactive with your home’s expensive system than to be reactive ‒ especially for those with health issues from air quality problems.
These machines are fine-tuned and valued at thousands of dollars. We understand that better than anyone. And we guarantee customer satisfaction every time.
WE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
We at Springfield Heating & Cooling are committed to keeping your home comfort levels optimal. Heating and Cooling is our mission. However, we also strongly recommend you make your indoor air quality a priority to ensure the health of you and your loved ones. Because indoor air pollution has such a substantial impact on your health and well being, we believe you find this information helpful if applied. If you are considering any of the products and services we offer, or if you’d like to know more, give us a call 937-350-1881 or Click Here to schedule an appointment now.
Indoor Air Quality 101: Part 1
