Your home is the one place you should always be completely safe and comfortable. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. With every breath you take, you could be exposing yourself to a variety of potential health hazards. Poor indoor air quality is a major problem that affects many Cape Charles, VA homes. Fortunately, maintaining a cleaner and healthier indoor environment is as easy as following a few simple rules.
Minimize Pollution Sources
A proactive approach to managing indoor pollution can help you avoid many common air quality issues. The first step is identifying the most troublesome airborne pollutants and the sources from which they originate. Many of the most hazardous pollutants belong to a class called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To reduce your risk of exposure, minimize your use of harsh cleaning chemicals, aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, and craft supplies. If they can’t be avoided, use them in well-ventilated areas and seal them tightly before storing. Whenever possible, look for paint, furniture, building materials, and other products that are labeled VOC-free.
Practice Good HVAC Maintenance
A well-functioning HVAC system helps to filter your indoor air, keeping particulates and other pollutants in check. Over time, however, wear and tear can cause your system to have the opposite effect. A clogged air filter may struggle to remove airborne pollutants. Dirty ducts and HVAC components can add more particulates to the air passing through your system. Worse yet, malfunctioning equipment can even produce carbon monoxide, soot, and other hazardous byproducts. To safeguard your home, have experienced HVAC professionals perform routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ensure Proper Filtration and Ventilation
When it comes to indoor air quality, prevention is only half of the equation. To truly keep your family safe, it’s also critical to ensure your home is capable of effectively controlling airborne pollution. This can be done through a combination of filtration and ventilation. Adding a high-quality air cleaner or air purifier can eliminate more than 99% of the airborne particles that enter your home. If your house lacks adequate ventilation, consider adding a ventilator as well. Proper ventilation helps flush out contaminants, pull in fresh air and keep humidity levels within a safe and comfortable range.
Your health is one thing you simply can’t afford to take for granted. Take control of your home and check out Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.’s indoor air quality services by calling us today.
