Everyone wants a healthier home. Do you think of your home as a healthy one? Through no fault of your own, it may not be as healthy as you think! Microscopic chemicals and particles that float through the air often lead to allergies, and mold and mildew are well-known culprits for a host of health concerns. The good news is that there are plenty of fairly quick and simple steps you can take to improve your home’s health, starting with the heating and air conditioning systems.
Common Contaminants that Prevent a Healthier Home Environment
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls indoor air quality one of its top three health concerns. Today’s homes are more tightly sealed and insulated, which is great for energy efficiency and heating and air conditioning cost savings. Unfortunately, that combination can be bad for your comfort and health, as high levels of these contaminants remain trapped inside your home:
- Dust and pollen
- Pet dander and skin flakes
- Organic compounds from hobbies
- Fumes from furniture, paint and carpeting
- Radon gas, carbon monoxide, and other chemical fumes
The EPA also considers uncomfortable temperatures and humidity levels in your home as poor indoor air quality. Lets explore how you can achieve a healthier home.
Simple Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you’re concerned about the indoor air you and your family breathe in, the experts at ASHRAE have some great heating and air conditioning recommendations that you can apply to make sure everyone in your home breathes easier and stays healthier.
- Use Proper Venting
Properly vent fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, using tight doors and outdoor intakes whenever possible. Make sure your clothes dryer and central vacuum cleaner vent directly outdoors. Finally, install outdoor-direct, energy star rated vents in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Isolate the Toxic
Store toxic or combustible compounds, including paints, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, and lawn chemicals out of any human-occupied space. Isolate ducts – both heating and cooling – air handlers from any storage spaces or garages that contain contaminants.
- Minimize Pollutants & Promote Ventilation
Keep to a minimum (or avoid altogether) unvented flammable sources like candles, indoor BBQs, cigarettes, and vent-free heaters. Use household cleaners and hobby and pest control products sparingly. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a common culprit in increased indoor air pollution. For those times you must use them, open up the windows! Fresh air ventilation is a great way to clear your indoor air of toxic poisons and it helps keep your moisture levels safe. Opening even one or two windows can greatly improve your home’s health environment.
- Block Outdoor Contaminants
To continually keep dirt out of your indoor air, use high-grade air filters in your heating and air conditioning ventilation systems. Make sure your healthier home strategy utilizes a ventilation system which should be placed throughout the rooms, and away from spaces such as garages that can bring in unwanted air contaminants.
- Whole House Solutions
Try using a whole house mechanical ventilation system to distribute a minimum level of outdoor air throughout your home. When the outdoor temperature rises, place fans all through the house to help circulate clean inside air. Fans as an alternative source for moving air ultimately keep your heating and air conditioning ventilation systems cleaner, as you’ll use your air conditioning less frequently.
One of the best ways to enjoy a healthier home is to have your heating and air conditioning equipment regularly inspected and tested to make sure the levels of moisture and contaminants in your home are little to none. Combined with the above tips, you’ll soon be on your way to a fresher, healthier and happier indoor environment. If you need any advice or systems contact us as we’re hear to help you improve your health.