6 Steps to Preventing Indoor Air Pollution

Modern homes, with their tight construction and energy efficiency, will award you with lower utility bills. Yet they often present a significant disadvantage; they’re more vulnerable to poor indoor air quality. This is because an airtight home is more likely to accumulate airborne pollutants that don’t have anywhere to go. But don’t despair; there are a number of effective ways to prevent indoor air pollution.

Use a Quality Air Filter

A clean and efficient air filter is essential to keeping an HVAC system clean along with the indoor air. A clogged filter, or one that’s not rated to remove mold spores and other small particles, can’t properly clean the air. Inspect the air filter monthly, and when it looks dirty or clogged, change it.

Reduce Sources of Pollution

Remove or don’t use chemical-laden solutions in your home – solvents, cleaning agents, air fresheners, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Instead, use natural alternatives.

Test for Radon

Your home may contain hazardous radon gas that’s seeped in from underground. Purchase the testing kit at your local home improvement store.

Improve Ventilation

Account for your modern home’s airtight construction by making sure it has effective ventilation — and not just fans that blow the same air around. Options include opening windows and doors when the weather permits, using attic and window fans, operating exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, and installing an effective ventilation system, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV).

Control Indoor Moisture

When humidity gets too high or too low, your home’s air quality can suffer. Find and repair moisture sources including leaky pipes and a leaking foundation. Install a whole-house or portable dehumidifier, depending on the scope of the humidity problem during the humid season.

Buy an Air Cleaner or Purifier

Buy an air cleaner or purifier for rooms that get a lot of use or  are particularly vulnerable to dirty air.

For more ways to prevent indoor air pollution in your Highland Park area home, please contact us at Carefree Comfort, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning.

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