The truth is, air pollution in your home can be just as bad — or even worse — than it is outdoors. The average American spends 87% of their life indoors (this number has only increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic), you’d think that indoor air quality would be something we’d hear about more often. Don’t worry.

Here are some ways to improve your indoor air quality

1. Change your air filter

Your HVAC system is always working to give your home that perfect temperature all year round. But while they’re cycling through all that air, they’re filtering out some of those common air pollutants. Eventually, their air filters fill up and stop doing their job. Not only does that cause trouble for your indoor air quality, but it also wears down your system, which can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Be sure to change your filters regularly, or ask us about planned maintenance – especially if you are allergy-prone or live in a metropolitan area with high levels of pollution.

Read: How Often Do I Need To Change My Air Filter?

2. Change other filters

Your HVAC system isn’t the only thing working to keep the air clean in your home environment. If you really want to improve the air quality in your home, be sure to check the filters in your other household appliances. Your vacuum cleaner, dryer, and kitchen vents should all be inspected and maintained periodically. If the filters are clogged or dirty, then appliances like vacuums can’t effectively remove the dust and debris around the home. This leads to more particles flowing throughout the home leading to poor air quality. It’s recommended to clean or replace these common household filters every few months.

3. Check your air ducts

Air ducts are responsible for distributing hot and cold air throughout your home, providing a comfortable climate in every room. But ducts that are not installed properly or maintained can distribute contaminants from one room to another. Over time, dust, dander, and even mold can accumulate in your ducts, reducing the overall air quality. Hire a professional to make sure your ducts are circulating fresh, clean air.

Although we don’t offer duct cleaning, we can recommend a handful of local companies that do an excellent job.

4. Use cooking vents

Many indoor air pollutants come from the kitchen. Gas stoves release harmful contaminants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric burners produce those same pollutants in lower levels, as well as other particles that can be easily absorbed into your bloodstream. So, when you’re cooking, be sure to turn on your kitchen vents, or open a window to help filter out the air even more.

5. Keep your home clean

Rugs, carpets, and other textiles do more than increase the comfort (and appearance) of your home. They act as their own air filters, trapping dust, allergens and other particles in their many fibers. Clean your carpets and rugs weekly and they will keep working for you, improving the air quality in your home just by lying there!

6. Control humidity in your home

Humid and moist conditions breed mold and mildew that can trigger respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. Additionally, mold and mildew can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that are harmful to human health.

The hot summer months can bring about especially humid conditions while the winter brings extremely dry conditions. There are a variety of humidifier and dehumidifier options that will help maintain consistent humidity levels and create comfortable living conditions in your home.

We’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate on a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier.

7. Buy indoor plants (and take care of them)

Plants are nature’s natural air filters. Buying a few indoor plants can do wonders to improve the indoor air quality in your home while making your home totally zen. As an added bonus, house plants are proven mood boosters! Small plants like ferns, bamboo, English ivy, weeping fig, and larger palm trees are excellent options to pull contaminants out of the air.

However, it’s also important to take care of these plants, as a neglected plant can negatively impact your air quality. Only water your plant when the soil is dry, make sure they have plenty of light, and trim dead leaves often.

About Spurk HVAC

Spurk HVAC was formed in 2018 and is located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. We proudly serve Cranberry Twp., Wexford, Gibsonia, Mars, and the surrounding areas. We are an American Standard Customer Care Dealer and a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor.

We service all makes and models. Please click, “Book Now” anywhere on our site if you are seeking a heating repair, heating system replacement, air conditioner repair, air conditioning maintenance, air conditioning replacement,  or any other heating & cooling services. Whether you are looking for residential or commercial HVAC services, we look forward to any and all opportunities to become your preferred HVAC contractor.