Indoor air pollutants can include dust, pollen, mold spores and microorganisms such as bacteria, germs and viruses that can cause disease. The majority of these health hazards cannot be seen, but there are techniques and systems that can help eliminate them and improve your indoor air quality.
Use air-purification or cleaning systems: Air cleaners and purifiers are installed inside your existing forced-air heating or cooling system. The airflow within those systems is directed into the cleaner, where high-efficiency filters trap and hold airborne particles and contaminants. Whole-house filtration systems are the most effective at cleaning your home’s air. Filters in these systems (and your HVAC unit) should be changed regularly — every month if dirty, every three months otherwise.
Use an ultraviolet (UV) light system: UV lights, also installed so that they treat all the air flowing through your HVAC system, add a powerful additional weapon against potentially harmful micro-organisms in your home’s air. Exposure to UV light eliminates biological contaminants such as viruses, germs, mold spores, fungi, and other living creatures that can trigger allergies and cause illness.
Increase ventilation: Boost the amount of fresh air circulated throughout your home by opening windows and odors, installing fans in the attic, using window fans, running ventilation fans in the kitchen or bathroom, and/or operating a window air conditioner on vent only. Good ventilation prevents the build-up of moisture that can lead to mold growth and give micro-organisms an environment in which they can thrive.
Practice source control: Stop airborne contaminants and related pollution at their source by:
- Dusting, cleaning and vacuuming weekly.
- Eliminating tobacco smoking inside your home.
- Cleaning vents to get rid of dirt and particulates.
- Taking out trash and odor-causing material daily.
- Cleaning bathrooms and moist areas with bleach to prevent mold growth.
- Limiting the use of pesticides, cleaning products and other items with strong odors.
In the greater Cleveland area, you can count on Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for expert HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today for more information on improving indoor air quality and for help finding equipment that will make your home’s air fresher and cleaner all year long.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Western Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
For those Do it Yourselfers who would rather take control of your own indoor comfort, you can shop our online store for replacement parts, products and accessories!
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