fixing AC unit and cleaning filters

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality on a Budget

Smoke, dust, pet dander, pollen and other contaminants contribute to indoor air pollution. When you have low indoor air quality (IAQ), you may experience flu-like symptoms, frequent asthma attacks or allergic reactions that disrupt your quality of life. Fortunately, by performing these basic tasks, you can produce a supply of fresher, cleaner air.

Improve Ventilation

Polluted air circulates in trapped spaces with no way to escape. When you ventilate your home, you release dirty air and invite fresh air inside. If you tend to keep your windows closed, try opening them as often as possible. This can be difficult when you’re dealing with extreme temperatures, but opening them for just 10 minutes a day will release particles.

Open all the air vents in your house, and move furniture or appliances that block floor vents. Most kitchens and bathrooms have exhaust fans that transfer dirty air outside, so turn them on when the air feels stuffy.

Eliminate Dust

Air filters gradually accumulate dust. As your HVAC system pushes air through the filters, dust circulates in your home, leading to air contamination and dust buildup on your furniture. You might find yourself dusting more often, coughing and sneezing as you clean.

To reduce contamination, dust your house at least once a week. Make sure to include the nooks and crannies that people often overlook. Next, vacuum your rugs and carpet to eliminate pollutants trapped in the fibers, and wash your bedding to remove any lingering dust. Observe your dust buildup over the following week. If you don’t see a change, you might need new air filters.

Check Your Air Filters

Most HVAC systems require a new air filter every one to three months. Clogged filters circulate dirty air through the house and force the HVAC system to work harder, increasing your energy bills. Simply changing the filter could reduce your energy usage and restore your air to its original quality.

Don’t Allow Smoking Indoors

Secondhand smoke lingers in the air, putting the health of everyone who breathes it at risk. Residents and guests can experience an increased risk of heart disease, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, high blood pressure, strokes, lung cancer and even sudden infant death syndrome. No amount of secondhand smoke is safe.

Buy an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can’t replace clean HVAC systems and adequate ventilation, but they offer temporary relief from contamination. Smaller models cost $100 or less and don’t require expensive maintenance. They strip odors, allergens and pollutants from the air and circulate clean air into high-traffic living spaces.

These tips will remove some of the biggest pollutants in your house. For professional help, contact Alabama Home Pros to learn about our air quality solutions in Montgomery, AL.