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3 Simple Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Carbon monoxide, allergens, poisonous gases, mold – and that’s just your living room. Poor air quality may cause sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. If this describes a typical day in your home, it may be time to check your home’s air quality.

Let’s Clear the Air

Your indoor air may be more polluted than the air outside. Identify potential sources of indoor air pollution with a professional inspection or an indoor air quality test kit.

How Do I Know the Quality of My Home’s Indoor Air?

Two of the most harmful gases within the home are radon and carbon monoxide. We suggest you hire a professional test your home for these gases. It’s important to install detectors in your home to signal when these gas levels rise, as both gases are odorless and colorless.

  • Radon
    • Radon is an odorless gas that we can’t detect on our own. It attaches to dust and particles floating in the air that we inhale into our lungs. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers and is responsible for over 20,000 deaths in the United States each year. Learn more about Radon Myths and Facts.
  • Carbon Monoxide
    • Carbon monoxide is a hazardous odorless gas that generates from “incomplete combustion of fuel in household devices, such as stoves, furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces” (HowStuffWorks). The gas enters the lungs, and at certain levels of exposure, can result in death.

Mold is another concern. Mold grows in your home where moisture is present. Breathing airborne mold spores can cause sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. Mold testing should be performed by a qualified professional.

3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are three basic strategies for improving indoor air quality:

  • Source Control
    • The most effective way to improve your home’s indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution.
      • Seal up open asbestos in your home
      • Decrease the amount of emission on gas stoves
      • Don’t smoke at home or allow others to smoke
      • Test your home for radon, carbon monoxide, and mold
      • Clean regularly to reduce animal dander, pollens, and dust mites
  • Ventilation Improvements
    • Increase the amount of outdoor air that enters. Not all heating and cooling systems bring fresh air indoors.
      • Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
      • Get an energy-efficient heat recovery ventilator
      • Vent your clothes dryer
      • Ventilate your attic and crawl spaces to prevent mold build-up
      • Open windows and doors
  • Air Cleaners
    • To reduce pollutants in your home:
      • Have your air ducts professionally cleaned
      • Reduce exposure to household chemicals such as organic chemicals (found in cleaning products) and methylene chloride (found in paint strippers and aerosol spray paints)
      • Use fewer synthetic fragrances found in air fresheners, laundry products, etc.
      • Place houseplants throughout your home

Unsure about your home’s indoor air quality? Call Dunn Inspection Services Today

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3 thoughts on “3 Simple Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality”

  1. Thank you for the tips! Another suggestion I’d like to make is to consider using HEPA filters for your home’s air conditioner. However, it’s important to be selective when choosing one for your system. The effectiveness of HEPA filters is measured by their MERV rating. While high-rated filters are more efficient at capturing small particles, they can also restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption.
    For most homes, HEPA filters with a MERV rating between 6 and 13 should work fine.

  2. Thanks for the tips!
    When cleaning air ducts, homeowners should also remember to check them for leaks. Well-sealed ducts improve indoor air quality. Leaks in ductwork can draw in dust, pollutants, and allergens from unconditioned spaces like attics or basements, distributing them throughout your home. By sealing the ducts, you reduce the infiltration of these contaminants, leading to healthier indoor air.

  3. Great blog! Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Focusing on three simple strategies like proper ventilation, using air purifiers, and reducing indoor pollutants can make a noticeable difference in the air you breathe at home. These steps are practical and effective for creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.

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