The air quality inside your home significantly affects your overall well-being. Indoor spaces can often harbor more pollutants than outdoor environments, impacting comfort and potentially contributing to respiratory issues. The good news is that improving indoor air quality is achievable with a few simple steps.
Source Control
The first step to improving your indoor air quality is identifying common sources of pollution in your home and taking steps to control them. Common contributors to indoor air pollution include pet dander, pollen, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean floors, carpets, and furniture at least twice a week to effectively manage pet dander, dust, and pollen. If you have a pet, regular grooming is essential. Bathe your pet every two weeks and groom it outdoors to minimize shedding inside your home.
VOCs are often emitted from items like paints, pesticides, adhesives, and cleaning products. Store these materials in tightly sealed containers in well-ventilated areas, such as a garage or basement. When selecting paint and cleaners, opt for low-VOC options to further reduce indoor pollutants.
Cooking can release several pollutants into the air, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter, especially when using gas stoves or high-heat cooking methods. To minimize these emissions, ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen. Install a high-quality exhaust fan that vents outdoors, and use it consistently while preparing meals.
Replace Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filters play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality, as almost all the air in your home passes through them. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particles. When this happens, the trapped contaminants may restrict airflow and could even re-enter your living space. It’s essential to replace your HVAC filters regularly to prevent this.
Most experts recommend replacing filters at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours out more often based on factors like how many people live in your household, if you have pets, and how often your heating or cooling system runs. Many homeowners check their filters once a month to know when it is time for a fresh one.
When replacing your filters, consider three key factors: size, filtration level, and type. First, ensure the new filter fits snugly in the designated slot. You can find the correct size printed on the frame of your old filter or in your HVAC system’s user manual.
Second, check the filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. While higher MERV ratings capture smaller particles, they can restrict airflow if your system isn’t designed for them. This will cause performance issues. Most residential HVAC systems are compatible with filters with MERV ratings between 6 and 13.
Finally, use the correct type of filter for your system. For example, if your HVAC system is designed for pleated cloth filters, replace them with the same type to maintain optimal efficiency.
Control Humidity
Humidity directly impacts your indoor air quality. High humidity levels support the proliferation of mold and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Conversely, low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate eyes, and contribute to the spread of illnesses.
A professional can install a whole-home humidity control system for comprehensive humidity management. They work directly with your HVAC system, regulating the moisture level throughout your entire home. The installation process typically begins with an assessment by an HVAC technician, who evaluates your home’s size, existing HVAC setup, and specific humidity needs.
For a humidifier, the technician will connect the unit to your heating system and water supply. This allows the system to add moisture directly into the heated air before it circulates through your home. Alternatively, dehumidifiers are installed within your ductwork to remove excess moisture from the air as it passes through the ducts. Both kinds include sensors that automatically adjust to maintain your desired humidity level.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Along with whole-home humidity control, consider adding an air purifier to further enhance your indoor air quality. Air purifiers draw in air and pass it through specialized filters that capture a wide range of pollutants, including particles too small for standard filters to remove effectively. These devices can help reduce allergens, fine dust, and even certain bacteria and viruses, making them an excellent complement to your existing HVAC system.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At KOZAK Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, we have served the residents of Naples, FL and the surrounding areas for years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including whole-home air purification and humidity control systems. We also provide commercial HVAC services to business in the surrounding area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
