While insulating and winterizing help you maintain a warm, comfortable living space, these actions can also lead to a decrease in your indoor air quality (IAQ). Below are four simple things you can do to improve your Kirkwood, Missouri, home’s indoor air quality without sacrificing comfort.
Change Your Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter prevents indoor air pollutants from entering the system, helping keep the air in your home clean and fresh. However, a dirty filter can’t effectively trap pollutants. To maintain good indoor air quality, check your filter often and change it regularly.
Install an Air Purifier
An air purifier equipped with an activated carbon filter removes harmful particles, allergens, and odors from the air in your home. Some air purifiers even capture and kill small airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria. A whole-home air purification system cleanses the air in your entire house while a small, portable air purifier cleanses the air in an individual room.
Clean Your Home Often
Clean your home often to reduce indoor air pollutants. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and dust surfaces frequently. Household cleaning products are a common cause of indoor air pollution, so opt for natural, non-toxic products when possible, and consider making your own cleaning solutions using water, vinegar, and essential oils.
Improve Your Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If you don’t already have exhaust fans in your home, install them in your bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen to remove stale air. You can even go a step further and install an energy recovery ventilator, or ERV. ERVs are whole-home air-heat exchangers that remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh, filtered outside air. ERVs also help control humidity levels and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
If you want more information about improving your indoor air quality, give C & G Heating & Cooling a call at (314) 254-9196. We’d love to discuss all the options available to you.
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