When the weather is chilly, you probably keep your windows closed most of the time, which means your home can get a bit stuffy. As the weather warms, you might notice that the air inside your home is less than fresh. Since your indoor air quality has a direct impact on your health and comfort, it is important to do everything that you can to improve it.
1. Keep a Regular Cleaning Schedule
You should follow a regular cleaning schedule to improve your home’s air quality. This is especially important if you have pets since their dander can trigger breathing problems. When you clean regularly, you are also helping to reduce dust and mold.
At least once a week, you should vacuum area rugs and carpets. Ideally, you want a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. If you have hard-surface flooring, make sure to sweep and mop at least once a week.
Since clutter can hold dust, take the time to reduce how much you have in each room. You should also clean your bedding and curtains on a regular basis to prevent irritants from accumulating.
2. Check Out Your Air Filters
A forced-air HVAC system requires a filter to help keep the air clean while it cools or heats your home. These filters work to trap irritants, such as dust, so that they are not released into the air when the heat or AC is working.
Always make sure that the filter fits your unit perfectly. You can also look for those that have HEPA technology for further help with removing allergens and irritants. Lastly, consider talking to an HVAC professional about duct cleaning to further reduce the irritants in your home’s air.
3. Put the Plants Outside
While plants release oxygen, it is generally not enough to make up for the fact that they can be an allergy trigger. Indoor plants tend to grow mold which can cause problems for people with allergies and other breathing problems. When it comes to outdoor plants, try to keep them away from windows that you have open often for this same reason.
4. Crack a Couple of Windows
You should allow some fresh air to circulate in your home. This also helps release all your cooking fumes. At least once a week, open a few windows for a couple of hours to let in some fresh air.
5. Leave Your Shoes at the Door
Shoes carry a wide array of allergens. Get a good doormat that you can leave outside or right inside your doors. Make sure that everyone who comes over removes their shoes on these mats. If you wear your shoes inside, wipe the bottoms well on the mat to reduce how many pollutants you bring into your home.
6. Reduce Your Home’s Humidity Level
Too much humidity can make the air feel thick and cause issues for those who already have trouble breathing. Excess humidity can also make indoor allergens worse. Since summers in Cape Coral, FL tend to come with high humidity, you should take the right steps to control this.
Ideally, you want the humidity level in your home to be between 30 and 50%. During the summer months, a dehumidifier can help to keep it at a healthy and comfortable level.
7. Never Smoke in Your Home
Cigarette smoke lingers, and the tar that it produces will stick to everything in your home. It also causes a smell that can be very strong, especially if people regularly smoke in your home. If guests need to smoke, they should go outside and smoke in an area where there are no open doors or windows.
8. Use Fragrance-Free Products
Those with allergies and asthma may struggle with a lot of added fragrance. When choosing your cleaning products, opt for those that are natural and free from fragrance. You can also use items that you already have around your home to clean, such as baking soda and the juice from a fresh lemon.
Call Ultimate Homes & Cooling today to get an indoor air quality inspection. We provide heating and cooling services to Cape Coral, FL residents. We even provide heaters and pumps for pools.
