When homeowners hear the phrase indoor air quality, they’re quick to think about the temperature of their home, not necessarily about the contaminants and pollutants that can be floating around in it. This includes dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria, and even viruses. Your home should be your safe haven, but without the proper indoor air quality solutions in place, there’s no way it can be.
Of course, we’re not trying to imply your home is dangerous, only that the state of your indoor air quality can have a big impact on your quality of life and comfort. Read on as we uncover a few tips to improve your indoor air quality, and why you should make it a priority to do so.
Tip #1: Install a Whole-Home Air Filtration System or Air Purifier
This is a fantastic way to decrease the amount of pollutants in your indoor air. Professionally installed, whole-home air purifiers and air filtration systems can be directly installed into your HVAC system’s ductwork, where they trap pollutants as they circulate through the system.
Homeowners often don’t realize what a big problem pollutants can be in their household, and/or they assume that the HVAC air filter is enough to tackle them. This air filter is actually in place to protect the HVAC system itself, however, and won’t do much for your indoor air quality. On the other hand, a whole-house air filtration system or air purifier can eliminate common household pollutants such as:
- Smoke from cooking, fireplaces, or tobacco
- Aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions
- Dust mites and dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Gases from paint and glue
- Bacteria and viruses
Tip #2: Install a Dehumidifier
Did you know that the ideal humidity level in any given home is between 30–50%? Anything above that 50% threshold is too high and can have drastic consequences for your home and your health. It can lead to things like mold and mildew growth, which can endanger the health of anyone in your home who suffers from allergies or asthma. It can also cause significant property damage.
Plus, humidity makes you feel warmer than it actually is. As a result, you may turn your thermostat down lower and lower, which results in your air conditioner running longer and longer. This is inefficient operation and you’ll find yourself paying more for energy bills than you should.
Tip #3: Install UV Germicidal Lights
The UV germicidal lights are another form of air purifier, with a big difference. While electronic and mechanical air purifiers draw particles from the air in your home, the UV air purifier attacks harmful pollutants at the source—your ductwork—before they even have the opportunity to enter your indoor air.
The average home, no matter how clean you keep it, can be the perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and viruses given the right circumstances. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity we get in our area provide the right circumstances. The good news is, however, that UV germicidal lights and the other IAQ solutions we mentioned above can help! Just be sure to contact an experienced professional for an installation done right.
Contact our team when you want a trustworthy HVAC company in Edmond, OK. At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
