Friday, June 7, 2013

5 More Indoor Air Quality Tips

Another day, another set of tips to improve your indoor air quality!

Keep the floors clean!
Less dirt on the floors means less dirt in the air. Keeping everything nice and vacuumed/mopped reduced chemicals and allergens such as pollen, dander, dust-mites, lead and fire-retardants. Use door mats and leave shoes at the door to further stop the spread of dirt and pollutants in your home.

Keep the humidity down!
Make sure humidity levels stay in the 30 to 50 percent range, especially during the summer. Dust mites and mold thrive in humidity, so reducing it with the assistance of your Air Conditioner helps to control allergies and improve indoor air quality. If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with humidity control, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model or invest in a whole-home dehumidifier.

Don't smoke inside!
This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, but the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke significantly reduces indoor air quality and puts everyone at greater risk of respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and heart disease.

Steer clear of radon!
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It can circulate your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Any home could have potential radon issues. Read more about radon and what to do about it in the federal EPA's "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction" page.

Minimize the use of synthetics!
Synthetic fragrances in cleaning solutions, laundry products and air fresheners are hazardous to your health. They can release chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic or hazardous fumes. Purchase fragrance-free or naturally scented products and avoid aerosols. Use natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar scented with lemons or oils. Open windows to ventilate air pollutants out of your home, and use plants such as ivy, ferns and aloe to help cleanse the air in your home.

For more information on improving your indoor air quality, or to add an indoor air quality related system, give us a call today!