Terms like “air pollution” or “air quality” often give people images of large black clouds coming out of smoke shafts of old factories or exhaust pipes, leaving a trail of smoke behind. These outdoor pollutants have captured our attention because they are almost impossible to avoid, but what if we told you that your indoor air quality (IAQ) should be more of your concern?
After serving homes for years, Ace Air Conditioning & Plumbing experts know how indoor air quality varies and how uninformed homeowners can be on matters like IAQ. Read more below to understand IAQ and how you can create healthier air in your home.
Understanding Indoor Air Quality
The US Environmental Protection Agency has ranked indoor air quality among the top five public health risks. Their studies have found that the air quality of homes can be two to five times more toxic than the air outside. Still and trapped air in combination with poor ventilation can cause a poisonous bubble to form inside your home.
It is essential to understand that IAQ does pose a health risk. Understanding this will help to keep air quality a top priority for you and your home.
What Can You Do About Your Home IAQ
Because most indoor pollutants are from debris, furniture, or even gas stoves that release contaminants in the air, this means that a large part of protecting your air quality is actually up to you. Below are some ways you can protect your air:
Check on Your Return Vents
The large vent on your wall plays a crucial part in keeping your air pure. It’s called the return vent and aims to pull air back into itself. This process causes lots of dust and dirt build-up on the vents. This must be kept clean to prevent dust and dirt from being recirculated into the air.
Maintain Your Ventilation System
Routine HVAC maintenance can make a massive difference in your air quality. When your air isn’t flowing the way it should be, you are much more likely to get sick from the pollutants circling your home. Contact an expert if you notice your HVAC system is no longer functioning correctly.
Use Your Kitchen Fan
The fan above your stove is an excellent part of your home’s ventilation system. People believe this is to clear our smoke from burned food, but you can use the feature with whether your food is smoking or not. Gas stoves and food release particles in the air that could be harmful to your health.
Change Your Air Filters
Air conditioners are packed with a filter that helps keep dust and debris from flowing through the air. If these become excessively clogged, pollutants can potentially release the things the filter has collected back into the air.
Your Home Health Matters
Your air conditioning system does so much more than cool your home – it is also designed to keep humidity at bay. Keeping excessive moisture out of your home will help reduce the likelihood of moisture-born issues like mold that cause problems with your air.
Excessive moisture also makes it easier for viruses like the flu to stick around in your home. Our professional AC maintenance experts make it easy for you to reduce air quality issues by offering seasonal AC tune-ups.
Air Purification in Lake Charles
Maintaining clean air does not have to be a task. Investing in an air purifier can make a big difference in your home. There are many great devices on the market, like the RemeHalo. This air purifier has been proven to kill mold spores, bacteria, and other germs. Home filtration systems like this take a more comprehensive approach.
If you’ve noticed the decline in your air quality, give our team at Ace Air Conditioning & Plumbing a call. We help make the best decision to keep you and your family breathing in healthy air!