Improving Your Indoor Air Quality Year-Round

Most people associate pollution with heavily populated cities. But the air inside your Bunn, NC home is not immune, whether it’s from winter or hot summer temperatures when windows are kept shut for months at a time. And although comfortable temperatures prompt us to open our windows and let fresh air in, there are still ways you can maintain good indoor air quality, regardless of the season.

Control Indoor Humidity

High humidity levels create the perfect breeding ground for allergens and dust mites. Using a dehumidifier or air purifier reduces indoor moisture levels and remove allergens from the air. In addition, it’s important to keep humidity levels as low as possible when bathing. If possible, crack your bathroom window to ward off allergen growth. When cooking, use your exhaust fan to remove excess humidity from the air. Finally, don’t overwater your plants, as any non-draining soil is the perfect environment for biologic particulates to grow.

Vacuum Carpets and Cleaning Surfaces

Dirty carpets are one of the primary causes of poor indoor air quality. Dirt, dust, pet dander and pollen accumulate quickly on carpet, leading to unhealthy indoor air and even potentially flaring respiratory conditions like asthma. Individuals who have never had problems can also start to suffer from allergic symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. If you have carpet, vacuum often and make sure your vacuum has a HEPA air filter. Afterwards, mop all hard surface areas that are prone to gathering dust or other allergens.

Avoid Synthetic Fragrances in Your Bunn, NC Home

It’s tempting to use plug-in air fresheners and scented cleaning products, especially when it’s cold outside and the windows are closed. Unfortunately, as pleasant smelling as they are, synthetic fragrances emit certain chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds. VOCs can negatively affect indoor air quality and possibly your respiratory health. When buying laundry soap, buy fragrance-free brands. You should avoid buying cleaning products that contain artificial scents.

Buy Plants

Houseplants are known for their air-purifying abilities. And given the fact that we spend upwards of 90 percent of our time indoors, investing in a few plants can make a huge difference in air quality. Adding potted plants in your home will reduce the number of offending agents in the air. Not sure which is best? Think Boston Ferns, Aloe Vera plants and Peace Lilies. All three are virtually indestructible, so it’s okay if you don’t have a green thumb.

Bathe Your Pet

Changing seasons bring about another set of challenges. If you have pets, excess shedding can increase airborne allergens. Make a point to bathe and brush your pet outdoors to reduce the amount of indoor pet dander. Using only high-quality air filters in your HVAC system will reduce the amount of pet dander in the air.

Combat Indoor Pollutants in Bunn, NC

In addition to the tips mentioned above, such as keeping your pet groomed and changing air filters regularly, routine HVAC maintenance helps to improve air quality inside your home. The air you breathe is filtered through your HVAC system, so annual system checks will identify any potential issues that can negatively affect the air quality in your home.

Without regular system maintenance, contaminants can get trapped inside your unit, causing an increase in moisture. High levels of moisture not only damage your unit, but they can also spread bacteria and cause viral symptoms.

Maintaining healthy air quality inside your Bunn, NC home may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you’d like to learn more ways to keep indoor air as fresh as possible, contact us today.