Improving the air quality inside your home, often called indoor air quality or IAQ, is essential for both your comfort and health. Dust, pollen, and other unwanted particles can contaminate the air inside our homes, especially if we don’t take care of it.
Climate Control Company is committed to delivering professional and top-notch IAQ solutions to homeowners on Colorado’s Western Slope. Read on as Climate Control shares seven simple steps you can take to keep your indoor air fresh and clean.
Keep Your Home Clean
Regular Cleaning Routine
A clean home is the first step to good indoor air quality. Regularly vacuuming your carpets and floors can reduce dust, pet dander, and other allergens. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is even better as it can trap more particles and improve indoor air quality.
Keep Dust Away
Dust can build up on surfaces like shelves, countertops, and appliances. Wipe these areas frequently with a damp cloth to capture the dust before it spreads into the air. This is a simple way to maintain better IAQ.
Change Your Air Filters
Importance of Air Filters
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system circulates air throughout your house. It uses filters to trap dust and other pollutants. Over time, these filters get clogged and need to be changed.
How Often to Change Filters
For most homes, changing the air filter every 90 days is enough. If you have pets, a lot of dust in your area, or you have a loved one with respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD, you might need to change them more often. This helps keep the air in your home cleaner and your HVAC system running smoothly.
Use Cooking Vents
Why Use Vents
Cooking can produce a lot of smoke and odors, especially if you fry food or cook at high temperatures. These can worsen your indoor air quality.
Benefits of Using Vents
Turn on the vent or exhaust fan in your kitchen when you cook. This helps remove the smoke and odors, keeping your indoor air cleaner.
Control Humidity Levels
Why Humidity Matters
The Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail areas of Colorado tend to have lower humidity all year long. So, while too much humidity can create a breeding ground for organic growth to grow and adversely affect IAQ, our residents are not likely to have this issue. It’s good to remember that there are optimum humidity levels to strive for inside to keep indoor air quality at its best.
How to Control Humidity
Use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to maintain humidity levels around 30-50% during warmer months. This range helps keep the air comfortable and minimizes organic growth.
During the cold Colorado winters, the constant need to heat our homes can make humidity levels too low. Not enough humidity in the air is as bad as too much. Schedule an in-home consultation with a Climate Control Company Comfort Specialist to learn how a whole-house humidifier can make your IAQ better than ever!
Keep Indoor Plants
Benefits of Plants
Plants can beautify your home, and some can even help clean the air. They absorb pollutants and release clean oxygen, improving indoor air quality.
Best Plants for IAQ
Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are great options for improving indoor air quality. They are easy to take care of and effective at cleaning the air.
Use Natural Air Fresheners
Avoid Chemical Air Fresheners
Many air fresheners contain chemicals that can worsen indoor air quality. Instead of using these, try natural alternatives.
Natural Options
Use essential oils or simmer herbs like rosemary and lavender in water. These natural scents can freshen your home without adding harmful chemicals to the air.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Schedule HVAC Checks
Have the professionally trained technicians at Climate Control Company check your HVAC system at least once a year. Ideally, biannual maintenance is best, once before cooling season and once before you begin using your heating system. The HVAC technician can ensure your system is in good working condition and not contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Regular Maintenance with Climate Control
Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your system efficient, which is good for both your air and your wallet. Purchase a Comfort Club Membership and enjoy regular system tune-ups, priority client status, discounts, 24-hour emergency service, and more! Contact Climate Control to learn more.
Improving your home’s IAQ is an ongoing process. Improve your home’s indoor air quality by following the seven steps named above, and you can create a healthier environment for you and your family.
To have even greater peace of mind about the indoor air quality inside your home, schedule your AC maintenance today with Climate Control Company.
