It’s National Clean Air Month! That means it’s the perfect chance for our Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning experts to remind everyone how crucial indoor air quality (IAQ) really is. Did you know your indoor air could be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? That’s because your home keeps recycling the same air without proper filtering or fresh air coming in. Making sure the air inside your home is clean is super important, especially since it’s where you spend most of your time. Keep reading to learn all about the dos and don’ts of keeping your indoor air quality top-notch.
Examples of Things That Might Lower the Air Quality in Your Home:
- Dust
- Germs
- Viruses
- Humidity
- Mold and mildew
- Pet smells
- Tobacco smoke
- Cooking odors
- Airborne chemicals
- Allergy irritants
1. Stop Forgetting to Change Your Air Filters
With so many tasks on our plates, it’s super easy to let a few slip through the cracks. But there’s one thing you really shouldn’t forget – changing your air filters regularly. Air filters are key to keeping the air in our homes clean by catching dust, dirt, pollen, and other yucky stuff. Over time, as more particles pile up, the filter can’t catch as much, making it less effective and possibly messing with our health.
Instead:
Typically, you should change your air filters out every 1-2 months, but it also depends on what kind of air filters you have. Doing this on the regular is a win-win for both your health and your wallet. By keeping up with changing your air filters, you’ll cut down on the dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles floating around in your air, leading to higher air quality.
2. Stop Letting Odors Accumulate
Odor is a fact of life, totally natural and nothing to stress over. Whether it’s from whipping up a meal, musty smells from a dog playing outside, or just daily life at home, smells can pile up and hang around, making your space feel stuffy and messing with the air quality indoors.
Instead:
Check out the iWave-R which is a whole-home air purifier. It hooks up with your HVAC system and uses some ionization to clean the air, getting rid of odors and nasty particles. The best part? It cleans itself, so you hardly have to do anything to keep it going. You’ll get better air quality with minimal effort, just the initial setup and you’re good to go!
OR
Another cool option is UV lights. They are set up inside your air ducts to zap airborne germs before they get a chance to cruise around your home. Plus, on the bright side (pun kind of intended), you only need to swap out these UV bulbs every 2-3 years, making them super handy to use and very low maintenance.
3. Stop Letting Moisture Build Up
Too much moisture at home can lead to mold, which isn’t great for your breathing or your health. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs like water stains on your ceiling or walls, a musty smell, or windows sweating with condensation.
Instead:
If your place is feeling a bit too humid, consider getting a whole-home dehumidifier. It works with your HVAC system to reduce the air moisture, preventing mold and making your home’s air fresher to breathe. It can also take some pressure off your AC unit, potentially saving you some cash on energy bills.
Stick to these tips to boost indoor air quality, kick out bad smells, stop mold in its tracks, and even cut down on energy costs. Don’t let these chores slip through the cracks – make them a staple in your home maintenance routine. After all, a happy home begins with fresh and well-kept air!
Let us aid you in your air quality journey! Call Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!