Many people don’t realize that due to modern living indoor air quality can sometimes be worse than the air we breathe outside. Even with all of the pollution that comes from CO2 emissions, it still doesn’t add up to the countless allergens and toxins that may be present in the air inside your home or office due to the use of chemical products, pet dander, VOCs from manufactured items and household cleaners to name a few. Besides changing your HVAC air filter on a regular basis, and making sure your air ducts are kept free of dust and mites with periodic cleanings, it’s smart to consider other ways to improve your indoor air quality as well.
Keep Floors Tidy
By using a vacuum with a HEPA filter you can suck up many toxins and allergens and also reduce concentrations of lead in your home. Using a microfiber mop is also a good idea because it picks up tiny particles that can be missed by traditional mops. Also, simply placing a floor mat at entrances can be a big help. You can go one step further by asking people to remove their shoes when entering your home so as to prevent outside pollutants from entering your home.
Get Some Ventilation
It’s important to keep the level of humidity in your home low so that moisture loving mold doesn’t have a chance to grow. Investing in and having an HRV, or Heat Recovery Ventilator, installed by Comfort Air not only helps to circulate air in your home with fresh air from outside, it also reduces humidity inside your home.
Use Fragrance Free Cleaning Products
Often times the fresh smelling fragrances found in cleaning products are a toxic combination of chemicals, and they can be harmful to your health if you’re exposed to them on a regular basis. People with asthma and other respiratory ailments should especially be aware of the type of fragrances they are exposed to on a regular basis, because often times they can be a codeword for volatile organic compound or VOC. Fragrance free cleaners and products work just as well but without the additional potentially hazardous chemicals.
Test For Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is emitted from the natural decay of uranium found in most soils. It’s also radioactive and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, which is why it’s important to have your home tested. You can assess your home’s radon levels with a simple store bought kit. If you find your home has radon emission above acceptable levels, there are inexpensive ways to reduce it. The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice on their website on how to treat this issue.