Did you know that between work, school, or being at home, the average person spends roughly 80-90% of their day indoors? [1] According to the EPA, there are 2-5 times higher concentrations of some pollutants inside your home than average concentrations outdoors.

When you stop and think about it, the products we use, the pets we have, the items we eat, and some habits we’d love to give up all contribute to the type of air quality each of us has in our homes. To help you reduce indoor air pollutants, Smylie One Heating & Cooling has five ways to improve your indoor air quality.

1.    Dust and Vacuum Weekly

It may not seem obvious, but dust, dirt, particles, and dust mites are different forms of indoor pollutants that we unknowingly breathe in, affecting our health. They are found on the floor, upholstery, shelves, bedding, countertops, etc. Dusting and vacuuming once a week improves your air quality.

2.    Change Your Filters

Your furnace filter’s primary job is to capture allergens, dust, pet dander and other microscopic particles that are floating around in your indoor air.  However, if you do not replace your air filter every 2-3 months as suggested, the filter’s effectiveness will gradually diminish.  A dirty filter not only impacts the air that you breathe, it also creates excess wear and tear on your HVAC system due to restricted airflow.  It’s also important to remember to change the filters in your vacuum, clothes dryer along with any filters that may be in your kitchen or appliances. 

3.    Deep Clean

You probably clean your home pretty often, but when was the last time you wiped down your walls and ceiling fans, dusted your blinds, washed your curtains or had your carpets / rugs professionally cleaned?  We often forget that these surfaces can become really dirty over time. By cleaning them regularly, you can drastically reduce airborne allergens, thus improving your indoor air quality.

4.    Air Duct Cleaning

Air ducts are responsible for moving conditioned air throughout your home or office.  Over time, dust, dirt, allergens, bacteria and other contaminants can settle inside the ductwork, reducing the quality of the air as it passes through. It is recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every few years, and especially if you’ve had a history of mold or pest infestation,  if you have pets that shed, or if you’ve recently undergone a home renovation where dust and dirt were present. 

5.    Humidity Controls

Having the right humidity level in your home is essential for a healthy home.  Air that is too moist or humid, can breed mold and mildew.  And viruses and bacteria just love dry air conditions, which is why it seems like winter colds and viruses tend to stick around forever.  A whole-home humidifier will help keep the right balance of moisture in the air throughout the fall and winter, while a whole-home dehumidifier will remove excess humidity and moisture in the spring and summer. 

Bonus Tip: Indoor Plants

Along with their natural beauty, indoor plants have a phenomenal ability to improve your indoor air quality every day. Besides cleaning your inside home’s air, they are also an essential resource that continually takes in carbon dioxide while producing oxygen each of us needs.

For more information or questions about ways to improve your indoor air quality, call Smylie One Heating & Cooling today!

[1] https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality

[2] https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned