Air Quality Indexes (AQI) are numbers used by government agencies to help characterize the quality of air in different locations. I’m sure you have heard on your local news numerous times what the air quality will be for the day. When the AQI increases, you usually see or hear of people experiencing an increase of severe adverse health effects.
It’s hard to believe that outdoor air quality is better than what we are breathing in our homes (indoor air quality), but unfortunately it’s true. During the winter months, we stay closed up in our air tight homes and the indoor allergens and pollutants are at their peak. Don’t panic! Here are some indoor air quality solutions for improving your home air quality.
Clean Regularly
I know and totally understand that it’s easy to put off the chore of cleaning. However, it is important to clean regularly to reduce the allergens and irritants. Dust with a damp cloth, as it grabs the dust much better than a feather duster. Don’t forget the ceiling fan blades and the tops of your appliances. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and avoid using cleaning products with harmful vapors.
Pet Care
Bathing and grooming regularly will help keep fur and dander under control. Don’t forget to wash the bedding frequently in hot water.
Circulate The Air
During the winter months, we aren’t able to open the windows to let fresh air circulate throughout the house. Turn on your ceiling fans to help move the air around. Turn on the exhaust fan to keep vapors, grease, and smoke from lingering.
Air Filters
Replacing your heating/cooling system’s air filter on a regular basis helps to minimize contaminants in the air, and helps to reduce stress on your system.
Minimize Moisture
Keepings the humidity level below 50% will help with mold and mildew buildup. If you don’t own a dehumidifier, you might consider purchasing one. FiltersFast.com (www.filtersfast.com) offers a good variety of dehumidifiers at great prices!
Smoke
Burning fireplaces or the wonderful scent of a candle gives a home a warm and cozy feeling. The down side is that they can release pollutants that worsen the air quality and even trigger health problems. The best candle to use is non-toxic unscented soy. Consider natural alternatives such as diffusers and vaporizers that use pure essential oils instead of chemicals. Use cured or dry wood in your fireplace and remember to have it cleaned regularly.
Air Purifier
If you are thinking that you need an air purifier in your home, be sure to select one that is appropriate for your room sizes and the level of purification required. Models range from small to house-wide systems.
By following these suggestions, you can feel confident that you and your family are breathing healthier air in your home. Don’t forget to visit www.filtersfast.com for all of your air filtration needs!
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