Your home in Vero Beach, Florida, should be a place of comfort after a long day. You rely on good indoor air quality for health and well-being. Make sure you’re helping to keep your indoor air clean and allergen-free with these five tips:
Change the HVAC Filter
Your HVAC system contains either a disposable or washable air filter. Some fit in the cold air returns around your house, and some go directly in the air handler unit. Regardless of what kind of filter you have, make sure you change or clean them on a regular schedule.
For the average home without pets, clean or change your filters every 90 days. If you have pets, check your filters every 60 days, as fur and dander can build up quickly. If you have allergies, replace your filters more often. As a result, you’ll breathe easier at home.
Air filters include a MERV rating. The higher the number, the fewer dust particles and other contaminants can pass through. Buying the highest-rated filter for your needs can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality. Ask a professional about the best MERV rating for your system.
Add Houseplants
A 1989 study by NASA concluded that houseplants can help scrub the air of impurities and even some chemicals. A couple of good-sized plants per 100 square feet of indoor space can be a big help with cleaner air quality.
If you’re worried about your green thumb, there are lots of plants that are very forgiving and can handle variable light conditions and a less-than-perfect watering schedule. The heart-leaf philodendron, for example, is a trailing vine plant that grows in sunny or shady spots and is nearly impossible to kill. The bamboo palm is another lovely choice that can survive in both sun and partial shade. The Sansevieria (mother-in-law’s tongue) can handle most light conditions and grows tall with interesting variegated leaves.
Reduce Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic pests that live in the dust and skin cells on bedding, fabrics and carpet. They can cause respiratory reactions for sensitive people. The best way to reduce their presence in your home is to make sure you have fabrics that you can regularly wash or dry clean.
Look for sofas with slipcovers, choose bedding that you can launder at home often, and use hypoallergenic covers on your pillows and mattresses. Vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly, using a vacuum with sufficient suction. Consider leaving shoes at the door. As a result, you’ll discourage tracking in outdoor particles where dust mites can live.
Minimize Chemical Infiltration
Though houseplants and a properly functioning HVAC system help with air filtration and cleaning, you can make choices to avoid inviting harmful chemicals into your home in the first place. Consider using all-natural cleaning products where possible. White vinegar, citrus and baking soda are all natural products that do well for specific cleaning tasks. By avoiding cleaners with strong smells or harmful solvents, you can keep your indoor air free of irritants.
You can also be conscious of the furniture, carpets and paints you buy. Look for those certified with low volatile organic compounds. Many products contain foams, fabrics,and glues that can off-gas into your home for months after purchase. As a result, they can worsen your IAQ.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system works to control the interior temperature of your home, filter allergens and dehumidify the air. If the system isn’t professionally maintained, you might see a reduction in efficiency of any of these processes.
Proper dehumidification ensures good air quality by discouraging any kind of organic growth inside and outside the ductwork. By having a service technician regularly maintain your HVAC unit, you can be assured that it’s working at its best capacity for filtration and air quality control.
Use vigilance in keeping your home and filters clean. Avoid products that will bring in harmful chemicals. As a result, you’ll enjoy better air quality. Let Barker Air Conditioning and Heating help give you peace of mind all year with a maintenance plan. Call us today at 772-562-2103.
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