There are a variety of products that can help you improve the air quality in your home (aka indoor air quality or IAQ). Additionally, there are also numerous things you can do. Here are a few.
1. No smoking in the house. Hard stop.
2. Take off your shoes when entering the house. Shoes will track in dust, dirt, pollen, etc. This will help keep your floors clean
3. Clean carpeting and upholstery. Once a week or more, use a HEPA filter vacuum to keep these items clean and free of dust and mold spores.
4. Clean walls and hard flooring. Also once a week, keep these items clean.
5. Clean bedding and linens. Cleaning them once a week with hot water will remove allergens.
6. Use natural products to clean. Synthetic products such as furniture polish, laundry detergent and pine cleaners emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are a health hazard. Instead use natural products such as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar.
7. No aerosol. Aerosol sprays and air fresheners also contain VOCs. Use natural products such as essential oils to freshen your home.
8. Use low-VOC paint and furniture. Paint and furniture will be in your home for a long time. Best to use low-VOC paint and furniture to minimize risk.
9. Let fresh air in. Outside air usually (but not always) is cleaner than the air in your home. So, unless the temperature outside is extreme, open the windows and let the fresh air in.
10. Plants. Houseplants remove toxins such as benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Specific plants include:
a. Aloe vera
b. Areca palm
c. Boston fern
d. Peace lily
e. Snake plant
f. Spider plant
11. Change your HVAC filters. ¼-inch filters should be changed monthly; thicker filters at least twice a year. Use filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 12.
12. Have your ductwork cleaned. You don’t want dust, allergens and other pollutants to enter your living space because your ducts are dirty. Once a year is recommended.
13. UV lamps. You can further reduce pollutants coming from your AC with a UV lamp.
14. Exhaust fans. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture, odors and smoke. Make sure they vent outside.
15. Pets. Keep your pets clean and well-groomed to remove dander and other allergens.
16. Reduce humidity. A few simple things you can do include taking shorter showers, limiting time spent cooking and air-drying laundry. If need be, invest in a dehumidifier.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Clean Indoor Air
Ravinia Plumbing’s NATE-certified HVAC technicians can advise you on improving indoor air quality and can also install the appropriate products to further improve the quality. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.