The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the air quality in your home may be up to 100 times worse than the air outside. Dust mites, mold, mildew, pet dander and smoke fumes can adversely affect the health of your home’s occupants. However, there are several easy ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality.

The Problem
Recently constructed homes are built to be airtight. This is great when it comes to your heating and cooling bills because it means greater energy efficiency. However, it can be bad news for the indoor air quality of your home because it also means poor ventilation. Most homes have more than a healthy concentration of one or more of the following:

• Mold, mildew or fungus
• Bacteria, virus
• Pet Dander
• Dust mites
• Tobacco smoke
• Pollen
• Dust, soil, ash

The Solution
Preventative maintenance is the best solution in most circumstances, and your home’s indoor air quality problem is no different. By doing the following things around your house, you will reduce the number of pollutants in your home and improve the indoor air quality your family breathes in each day.

Store chemicals outside. Many chemical cleaners, pesticides, lacquers and paints give off harmful gasses called VOC’s when used and stored. Keep these things away from your indoor living space whenever possible.

Open your windows. The fall is a great time to take advantage of the cooler weather by airing out your home. According to the EPA, this is the most effective way to improve your indoor air quality.

Vacuum your home. Carpets, upholstery and drapery are common places for pollutants to settle. By regularly vacuuming and cleaning your home, you will greatly reduce the number of air-borne contaminants circulating through the air you breath.

Dust and mop. The hard surfaces of your home attract dust and other pollutants. Dust and mop using a damp rag to avoid stirring the particulates back into the air.

Clean your ducts. Just like the rest of your home, the air ducts in your HVAC system get dirty over time. This means that whenever your heater or air conditioner turns on, those indoor pollutants are being circulated through the air in your house. You can eliminate this with a duct cleaning.

Change your air filter. Changing the filter in your cooling and heating system cuts down on the number of airborne particulates floating around your home. For maximum efficiency, plan on changing your filter about every 30 days or when it appears dirty.

Install an air cleaner. Sometimes the weather doesn’t permit you to open your windows and cleaning your home may not be enough. Installing a whole-home air cleaner like the Perfect 16 may be the best solution.

Every home has its share of indoor air pollutants. But by following these easy indoor air quality tips, you can reduce the amount of airborne particulates and contaminates you breathe.

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