It’s hot out there. And that extreme heat not only is uncomfortable, but it also threatens the air quality in your home. Here’s how:
- Heat creates stagnant air, increasing pollutants that can enter your home.
- Heat also generates airborne particles and gas pollutants such as carbon dioxide.
- Warmer temperatures cause flowers and plants to bloom which is nice, but they also prolong pollen production and the allergies that go along with it.
- Extreme heat accelerates mold growth.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Here are a dozen things you can do to improve indoor air quality.
- Don’t let people smoke in your home.
- Open windows. Fresh outdoor air helps reduce carbon dioxide levels in your home. It’s best to open windows when the weather outside is cooler, typically in the evening. Also, only do this on days that do not have high pollen counts.
- Change your AC filters. Change ¼-inch filters monthly and thicker filters twice a year at least. Try to use filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 12. Air filters reduce the concentration of dust mites, pet dander and other contaminants from circulating through your HVAC system and into your living areas.
- Invest in an electronic home filtration system. These systems can catch up to 90% more pollutants than your air conditioner filter.
- Monitor humidity. The humidity in your home will naturally rise in the hot summer months. Keep the relative humidity in your home between 40% to 60%. If you need to, invest in a dehumidifier to reduce humidity.
- Further reduce humidity by taking shorter showers, limit the time spent cooking and try to air dry the laundry.
- Add a decontaminating lamp. Similarly, UV lamps can also kill any pollutants coming through your AC.
- Keep your floors clean. This means everything from taking shoes off when entering the home to regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum to vacuum carpeting and rugs at least once a week. Also, frequently clean harder flooring.
- Clean your ducts. This will prevent dirty air from entering your living space when the air conditioning system is running.
- Use plants. Plants pull in toxins and convert them to clean oxygen to produce cleaner air.
- Use natural substances. Synthetic products such as furniture polish, pine cleaners and laundry products emit dangerous chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), causing indoor air pollution. Instead, use natural products such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice, or products that are fragrance free or naturally scented.
- Pets are also a source of allergens. Have them groomed regularly.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Indoor Air Quality Solutions
If you need assistance eliminating air pollutants and improving the air quality in your home, turn to the professionals at Ravinia Plumbing. We can provide you with advice on improving air quality, including installing products such as air cleaners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers (for the dry, colder months).
We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and cooling, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing online or give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
