How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
According to a study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. So, it’s vital that we all work to improve the quality of the indoor air we breathe. At Centralairny, we’re dedicated to helping home and business owners achieve healthy, clean indoor air.
Wondering how you can improve the indoor air quality at your home or business? Read on to learn about the professional services from your local Centralairny that can help you take control of the air you breathe and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).
Our Professional Indoor Air Quality Services
Indoor air quality improvement and remediation begins with IAQ testing. Depending on the results of the air quality tests for your home, office, or commercial building—your local Centralairny technician will provide recommendations for indoor air quality services designed to clean and purify the air you breathe.
Recommended indoor air quality services may include:
Changing air filters regularly—at least once every two to three months for typical filters—improves air quality inside your home, cuts down on energy use, and prevents damage while prolonging the life of your heating and cooling system by reducing resistance.
Higher efficiency filters (HEPA, polarized-media air cleaners and media filters) can even reduce irritants such as mold spores, pollen, and bacteria—but they may not be compatible with your current HVAC system.
Be sure to check with an Centralairny professional or in your owner’s manual before installing specialty filters. Installing an incompatible filter may cause damage to the HVAC system. Get the most out of your air filter with these tips.
Your home may look pristine throughout; but your heater or air conditioner could be distributing mold, bacteria, and dust hidden within your air ducts into your indoor air. The professional technicians at Centralairny can inspect your ductwork and clean and repair it as necessary to prevent the contamination of your home. Learn more about Centralairny’s professional air duct cleaning service.
- Whole-House Air Purifiers & Electronic Air Cleaner Installation
Air cleaners improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants such as smoke, mold, viruses, pet dander and allergens. Whole-house air purifiers are more effective than portable varieties and can be added to your heating or cooling system to trap and filter pollutants. They often include features such as HEPA technology for improved filtration of the smallest particles; carbon filtration for gaseous pollutants; and UV light for disinfection.
UVC and UVV are ultraviolet lights that kill and sanitize indoor air contaminants and pollution. Your local Centralairny technician may recommend that UVC and or UVV germicidal lights are installed in an HVAC system to further clean the air being circulated in a space.
- 4"-5" Media Filtration Installation
A media filter is an HVAC filter installed between the main HVAC return duct and the blower. These filters are pleated, dense, and much more efficient than standard filters at filtering the air being circulated throughout a space.
High temperature and humidity can increase the levels of indoor pollutants. Controlling mold with a whole-house dehumidifier can help reduce allergy-causing mold and mildew. Used in conjunction with your central heating and air, whole-house dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air in your home, improving indoor air quality. Learn more about dehumidifiers on our blog.
Air that is too dry may be dangerous to your health and can cause damage to building materials and furniture. If you’re suffering from health problems related to low humidity levels or if you notice shifts in doorframes, cracks in floor, or the separation of furniture joints. It’s time to consider installing a humidifier.
Bringing fresh air into a home or business can help to freshen the air and remove indoor contaminants. Mechanical ventilation via window fans, attic fans, energy-efficient heat recovery, and whole-house ventilators not only boosts indoor air quality, they keep your home more comfortable.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality on Your Own?
In additional to the HVAC solutions listed above, additional steps you can take to improve the indoor air quality of your home or business include:
- Using portable HEPA filters
- Vacuuming and cleaning – Daily vacuuming and dusting can control larger particles. However, the smallest particles—the cause of the most irritation—can only be removed with filtering devices.
- Choosing low-VOC paints, varnishes and finishes
- Avoiding chemical-laden cleaning products, insecticides, incense and artificial candles. Consider switching your gas stove to an electric or induction cooktop model.