It’s National Clean Air Month! Did you know the air quality in your home is at least 5 times more polluted than outside air? It’s easy to overlook – out of sight, out of mind, right? But the truth is, the air we breathe is super important for our well-being, especially since a big part of our time is spent inside our homes. In this guide, your friends at Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air Conditioning are going to walk you through the common mistakes that can really mess with your indoor air quality (IAQ). Let’s dive in!
Don’t Forget to Change Your Air Filters!
It might seem like a small thing, but it’s super important for keeping your indoor air quality (IAQ) up to par. Air filters are like your home’s shield against dust, pollen, and pet hair. If they get too clogged up, your airflow gets all messed up, and then all the unwanted airborne particles can end up back in your living space.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check what the filter’s box says – usually, you need a new one every 1 to 2 months, but it depends on things like the type of filter, if you have pets, allergies, or how much you’re using it.
- Make it a habit – try checking your filter every month. A pro tip is to set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you won’t forget. Stick to changing your filters regularly, and you’ll breathe easier knowing your air is cleaner and flowing better.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Excessive Moisture!
Too much moisture can lead to mold and/or respiratory issues. Some signs you want to be on the lookout for are water stains on walls and ceilings or window condensation. If you are constantly battling high humidity at home, it might be time to consider having a whole-home dehumidifier installed. You may not feel like this is necessary, but getting a handle on excessive moisture is so important as it can stop mold, mildew, and other moisture-related problems in their tracks, seriously upping your home’s air quality and keeping your family healthy.
Don’t Let Odors Overtake Your Home!
Odor is normal. It happens, and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Whether it’s from your pet, from cooking, from cleaning with household cleaning products, or any other household activity, an odor that accumulates in your home can bring down your air quality. Though you may not see it with the naked eye, there are a vast amount of airborne allergen triggers and pollutants in the air, and they will continue to accumulate and stuff up your home. Keep in mind although you can’t avoid them, you can manage them. Here’s how:
- Get UV Lights: Adding UV lights to your HVAC system is another smart move. They work together with your HVAC system and fit right inside your air ducts or air handler to zap and take out airborne bacteria and pollutants as air flows past them. UV lights are a fantastic, low-maintenance solution for boosting the air quality in your home. And they’re pretty easy to keep up with since you only have to switch out the bulbs every 2-3 years, which your HVAC tech can handle during your annual check-ups.
- Get a Whole-Home Air Purifier: If you are constantly battling odors in your home, a whole-home air purifier is another great option. Consider the iWave-R as it is installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system, eliminating air contaminants and helping to neutralize odors. Plus, the iWave-R whole-home air purifier is a game-changer because the best part is that it also cleans itself, so all you need to worry about is setting up the initial installation appointment. Super simple!
Your home is your safe haven – it’s where you should feel totally at ease and comfy. Making sure the air you breathe isn’t making you sick is a big deal for keeping it that way. Paying attention to the little things and taking action can really boost your home’s air quality. Still unsure where to start?
Let us help guide you on your air quality journey! Call Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7530, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
