In this new era of COVID-19 – and with the hypervigilance on germ protection measures that it has spurred, breathing safe, healthy air inside our homes has never been more important. Beyond just comfort, clean air is vital for reducing the chances of developing respiratory conditions such as asthma and protecting people who suffer from allergies and other chronic lung conditions like COPD.
The truth is, air pollution in our homes can be just as serious a problem as it is outdoors, or even worse. With the average American spending 87 percent of their life indoors (according to the Environmental Protection Agency), you would think we would be more concerned about indoor air than outdoor air. In fact, the quality of indoor air can be 100 times more polluted than outdoor air!
Common Air Pollutants
Air pollutants can include contaminants brought in from the outdoors by your pets to dangerous gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is a common air contaminant resulting from natural gas that escapes into your home without being burned off. Older homes can also contain asbestos and lead particles, which can harm your lungs when released into the air.
You can also find the presence of mold and mildew in your bathrooms and kitchen, where moisture levels tend to be higher than in the rest of your home.
By taking some preventative maintenance and gathering basic information, you can implement immediate measures to improve the quality of the air inside your home.
Steps to Take to Improve Home Air Quality
Regularly Change Your HVAC Filters
Regularly changing the HVAC filters will immediately cause your indoor air to be cleaner. Changing your filters will also lead to improved HVAC efficiency, lower energy costs, and extending the life of your energy system. When the filters are dirty, your HVAC system works much harder to maintain the desired temperature and requires higher energy usage. Dirty filters also cause clogged components in your HVAC system, which leads to higher energy expenses and potentially frequent repairs to your home energy system.
Don’t Forget About Other Air Filters
Your A/C filter is not the only thing designed to keep your indoor air clean. If you want to improve the air quality in your home, make sure you check the filters in your other household appliances. For example, your vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, and kitchen vents should all be examined and maintained occasionally. It is recommended that you clean or replaces these common household filters every few months.
Make Sure Your Home’s Ventilation is Working Properly
Proper ventilation is vital for eradicating indoor allergens and odors from your home.
Control Home Humidity Levels
Mold and mildew thrive when it’s humid. They can both be very harmful to your health when at high levels.
Check Your Air Ducts
Your air ducts distribute hot and cold air throughout your home, providing a comfortable, climate in all your living spaces. However, ducts that are poorly installed or maintained can transfer contaminants from one room to another. As a result, dust, dander, and even mold can accumulate in your ducts, reducing the air quality in your home. Hire a field service technician from Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning to make sure your ducts are circulating fresh, clean air!
Install an Air Purifier in Your Home
Home air purifiers that are installed into your pre-existing or new HVAC system remove air pollutants, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), odors, allergens, and surface contaminants from the air your breathe, which creates cleaner and healthier air in your home.
Upgrade to UV Air Purification
UV air purification systems go beyond basic air purification systems by adding a UV light that destroys 99 percent of airborne micro-organisms like germs, bacteria, viruses and mold. In addition to enhanced filtration, this is the most comprehensive option for improving the air quality in your home.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality!
Apollo’s In-Duct LED Air Purifier is a whole-home air purification system that reduces airborne and surface contaminants, viruses, and pollutants, all through bi-polar ionization.
Apollo also offers the Carrier Infinity® Air Purifier that also makes the air in your home much cleaner.
Ensure your home air quality is the best it can be with HVAC innovation from Apollo.
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
