How clean is the air inside your home? Even if it looks relatively clean, there’s probably a significant amount of dust, dirt, germs and other forms of particulate matter floating about.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even says that the air in a typical U.S. home is 200% to 500% more polluted than outdoor air.
Whether the air inside your home is more or less polluted, though, there are several things you can do to clean it up.
#1) Decorate With Plants
No, that’s not a typo. Decorating your home with more plants can minimize airborne pollutants.
Plants, particularly those with large leaves, are natural air filters. They’ll catch particulate matter floating in the air, thereby creating a cleaner environment.
#2) Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your floors on a regular basis – at least once a week – can improve indoor air quality.
Assuming you have carpeted floors in your home, the fibrous material will hold particulate matter. As dirt, dust and other particulate matter settle on the carpet, it will contribute to indoor air pollution.
Vacuuming on a regular basis, however, can help you create a cleaner home with less indoor air pollution.
#3) Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
The air ducts in your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system will likely accumulate dust and other particulate matter over time.
Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to easily access the air ducts to clean. Rather, you’ll need to hire a professional HVAC company for this task.
As long as you get your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once every three to five years, it shouldn’t cause or contribute to high indoor air pollution.
#4) Replace the Air Filter
In addition to cleaning the air ducts, you should also replace your HVAC system’s air filter.
The fundamental purpose of an HVAC air filter is to remove particulate matter from the air. As a result, you must replace it every 60 to 90 days to maintain a clean home with clean air.
#5) Choose Low-VOC Products
As a homeowner, you should be conscious of the products you use in your home and whether they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Defined as organic chemicals that, when exposed to room temperature, produce high vapor pressure. Air freshener sprays and scented candles, for example, often release high levels of VOCs.
And while some types of VOCs are harmless, many are toxic or even carcinogenic. Therefore, you should choose products that either don’t release VOCs or release low levels of VOCs.
If you are experiencing a problem with the quality of air in your home call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
