The air inside our homes can be just as contaminated as the air outdoors. When you think of air pollution, you may think it only applies to big cities with a lot of traffic. However, air pollution is also dust, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, radon, and even chemicals from cleaning products. To improve indoor air quality, begin by understanding indoor air pollutants. These simple tips can make a difference in how you feel at home.
The Air in Your Home Can Affect Your Health
Contaminants get trapped inside your home and have an impact on your health. Airborne irritants can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to improve indoor air quality.
Radon Mitigation to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Radon is one of the most harmful substances found in homes. It’s a radioactive gas that naturally occurs underground. Radon has been linked to lung cancer and may have devastating long-term effects. If your home has radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher, have a radon mitigation system installed to improve air quality. Hire a professional to make sure the levels of radon in your home are safe.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are machines that improve indoor air quality by filtering contaminants out of the air. You can choose certain filters that are designed to remove different types of pollutants. For example, ionic filters pick up positively charged specks of dust and coarse filters trap pet hair.
Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Maintenance
Your heating and cooling system has an impact on the air quality in your home. Simply changing your filters significantly improves indoor air quality. An HVAC system with damaged ductwork can have the exact opposite effect. Have a maintenance inspection and service for your HVAC system each year.
Carpet Cleaning Helps Indoor Air Quality
Carpets should be cleaned regularly. If you have carpeting throughout your house, have it cleaned professionally during the high-pollen season. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove surface dust and dirt. Invest in a quality wet or steam-cleaning vacuum to deep clean your carpets in between professional cleanings.
Dusting to Improve Air Quality
A clean house means cleaner air, so it is important to dust correctly. Conventional dusters stir up dust in the air without trapping much of it. When dusting, use a damp cloth or a natural cleaning spray to help trap dust and dust mites.
Robertson Home Inspection offers home inspections and radon testing in the Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.