Category: Land & Property

3 Easy Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality In the New Year

2024 is underway, and many folks are working on their New Year's resolutions to start the year off right. If it isn't already, one item that should be on everyone's list of resolutions is improving their home's indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the measurement of airborne pollutants in an indoor space – the higher the concentration of pollutants (and the more harmful they are), the lower the indoor air quality. The typical home can contain a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, mold, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from household products, just to name a few. So this article will share a few simple ways for homeowners to reduce these pollutants and boost indoor air quality this year!

Replace the Air Filters On Time

The first step toward improving indoor air quality is regularly changing the HVAC air filter. Since most homes are designed to keep indoor air inside to maintain a consistent temperature, airborne pollutants tend to build up inside the home rather than being ventilated. The AC or furnace filter helps offset this by capturing some pollutants as air is pulled through the air return vent.

But the more particulates the filter captures, the harder it will be for the air handler to circulate air throughout the home. A dirty air filter hurts the system's performance and efficiency and reduces its efficacy, leaving more pollutants to hang out in the home's air.

For most homes, it's recommended that the air filter be replaced (or cleaned if it's a permanent filter) every three months. But suppose anyone in the home has a respiratory condition or seasonal allergies. In that case, if multiple pets are in the house, or it just gets dusty very quickly, it's better to change the filters every 1-2 months.

Install an Air Cleaning System

If homeowners want to pull out the big guns in the fight against airborne pollutants, they can install a whole-home air sanitizer or air purifier. These are typically installed near the indoor air handler unit, either at the air return vent or in the ductwork. While both systems are considered air cleaners, they do the job differently.

An air purifier or air filtration system is a more powerful version of a regular air filter. It captures even tiny particulates from the air, typically using a physical HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or an electrostatic charge. On the other hand, an air sanitizer uses ultraviolet (UV) light to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms, rendering them inert and harmless.

Both air purifiers and air sanitizers have pros and cons, but either can be a powerful tool in improving IAQ. If considering installing one (or both), homeowners should consult with an HVAC professional to determine what system will best suit their needs.

Stay On Top of Household Cleaning Chores

Finally, one of the best ways to help boost indoor air quality is to simply keep the place clean. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and mopping will help reduce the amount of dust, dander, debris, and other common air contaminants that get kicked up and breathed in. A clean environment also makes it harder for bacteria, mold, and microorganisms to propagate.

Homeowners should clean the tops of fans and bookcases, curtains, upholstery, and bedspreads, where dust mites love to hang out. This may not seem like it can make much of a difference. Still, especially when combined with the other tips mentioned above, it can dramatically help improve the home's indoor air quality. Homeowners can enjoy a cleaner, healthier home all year long! 

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has served the Sun Prairie community for 37 years. Their commitment to honesty, fast turnarounds, superior workmanship, and outstanding customer service has earned them numerous 5-star reviews and awards, including the Angi Super Service Award. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, 24/7 emergency service, and a money-saving membership program – so don't hesitate to call Cardinal for indoor air quality services in Sun Prairie, WI! Learn more about the author here.

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