25 Indoor Air Quality Solutions to Care for Your Air

As the seasons change, so does the use of your HVAC system. From the summer heat to the winter cold, your HVAC system is the source of comfort in your home. However, without proper maintenance, your HVAC system may be unreliable, expensive to operate, and uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s essential to perform seasonal cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system, so you can ensure that your system is working well as you move into summer and winter. In this blog, we’ve put together some seasonal HVAC maintenance tips that will help you keep your home comfortable all year long.

1. Open your windows: One of the easiest ways to improve your indoor air quality is by letting some fresh air into your home. Keeping your windows open for a few hours each day can make a big difference.
2. Invest in air purifiers: Air purifiers are designed to remove harmful particles from the air, providing cleaner air for you and your family to breathe in.
3. Switch to natural cleaning products: Household cleaning products are often packed full of harsh chemicals that can negatively impact your indoor air quality.
4. Don’t smoke indoors: If you or someone in your household smokes, make sure to do it outside. Smoking indoors can quickly pollute the air and have serious health consequences.
5. Dust and vacuum regularly: Regular dusting and vacuuming can help eliminate dust and other allergens from your home, improving your indoor air quality.
6. Choose low VOC paints: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in many paints and can contribute to indoor air pollution. Look for low VOC or zero VOC options when you’re painting your home.
7. Monitor humidity levels: High levels of humidity can encourage mold growth, while low levels can cause respiratory problems. Keep your home’s humidity levels between 30-60%.
8. Use a range hood when cooking: Cooking releases a lot of pollutants into the air, so it’s important to use a range hood to help remove them.
9. Allow your carpets to air out: Carpets can trap pollutants, so consider airing them out by opening your windows or running a fan after cleaning them.
10. Get regular HVAC maintenance: Your home’s heating and cooling systems can contribute to indoor air pollution if they’re not properly maintained, so make sure to schedule regular maintenance appointments.
11. Choose natural fibers for bedding and furniture: Synthetic materials can release harmful chemicals into the air, so opt for natural materials like cotton, wool, and bamboo.
12. Keep indoor plants: Plants can help filter the air in your home, removing pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
13. Use an exhaust fan in your bathroom: Bathrooms are another source of indoor air pollution, so make sure to use an exhaust fan when you’re showering or bathing.
14. Store chemicals in a secure location: Cleaning chemicals and other household products can release harmful fumes into the air, so make sure to store them in a secure location that’s out of reach of children and pets.
15. Test for radon: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into your home and cause serious health problems. Consider testing your home for radon levels.
16. Change your air filters regularly: Your home’s air filters should be changed regularly to ensure that they’re functioning properly and removing pollutants from the air.
17. Keep your pets clean: Pet dander can contribute to indoor air pollution, so make sure to bathe your pets regularly to keep them clean.
18. Wash bedding regularly: Your bedding can trap pollutants and allergens, so make sure to wash it regularly to keep it clean.
19. Avoid using scented candles and air fresheners: Many scented candles and air fresheners contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your indoor air quality. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like essential oils.
20. Use a dehumidifier: High humidity levels can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, so consider using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control.
21. Use natural pest control methods: Many pest control products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your indoor air quality, so consider using natural pest control methods instead.
22. Don’t idle your car in the garage: Even with the garage door open, idling a car in the garage can release harmful fumes into the air.
23. Choose low-emitting building materials: If you’re building or renovating your home, make sure to choose low-emitting building materials to reduce indoor air pollution.
24. Keep your home well-ventilated: Proper ventilation is key to maintaining good indoor air quality, so make sure your home is well-ventilated and that air can flow freely.
25. Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can be deadly, so make sure to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to keep you and your family safe.

Taking care of your indoor air quality is essential to ensuring that you and your family are breathing in clean air. By taking simple steps like opening your windows, switching to natural cleaning products, and investing in air purifiers, you can make a big difference in the quality of the air in your home. Steve Patrick Air is here to help you with all of your indoor air quality needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Here’s to breathing easy!