Did you know that the air in your home can actually be more polluted than the air outside? How is that possible? Consider the amount of traffic through your home each day, just from your family members alone. Dirt, debris, and all sorts of pollutants find their way in each time your door is opened. With Winter coming, you and your family will be spending most of your time inside, so you will want the air in your home to be as clean and healthy as possible. Here is the first of a two-part blog that will provide you with tips and tricks to improve the air quality in your home:
1. Have Your HVAC System Professionally Inspected And Cleaned
Having your entire heating and cooling system professionally inspected and cleaned (including air ducts and pipes) will guarantee that the air being circulated through your house is clean and free of allergens and other pollutants that can make your family ill. Contact a professional HVAC service to have a trained technician go over your system before the onset of the season, when it will be in heavy use for several months.
2. Place Air Purifiers Throughout Your Home
Air purifiers clean and sanitize the air in your home. They are especially advantageous for people who suffer from asthma or allergies. You can purchase air purifiers that can be moved from room to room or invest in one for each room in your home that is heavily occupied. It is a good idea to place one in each bedroom as well, since studies have shown that people who sleep in a room with an air purifier in it get much more restful sleep and wake up feeling well-rested and free of breathing issues.
3. Keep Pet Areas – And Pets – Very Clean
Pet dander and hair are huge contributors to breathing issues, so if you have fur babies it is imperative that you keep their favorite hangouts clean. Thoroughly vacuum carpeted areas and furniture. Sweep and mop floors and wipe down nearby walls. Wash your pet’s blankets and toys regularly. Don’t neglect your pet’s hygiene either. Either brush, groom, and bathe your furry friend yourself or have it done by a trusted professional groomer. Your family members AND your pet will thank you for it.
4. Use Fans To Keep Air Moving
Keep the air constantly circulating throughout your home with portable fans and ceiling fans. During the winter months set your ceiling fans on Reverse so that they will disperse the heated air around the room without cooling it off. Place portable fans throughout your home in occupied rooms and bedrooms to keep the air circulating and fresh. Remember to keep your fans clean. Dust the blades of your ceiling fans weekly. Clean portable fans by removing the covers and immersing them in hot, soapy water to remove dust and accumulated grime, and wipe down fan blades as well.
5. Avoid Perfumes, Cleaners, And Aerosols That Contain Chemicals
When choosing things like perfume, hairspray, furniture polish, spray cleaners, etc., pay attention to the list of ingredients. The majority of these items are created using chemicals that are released into the air in your home as you use them. Many of these chemicals have been shown to cause cancer or other serious health problems. They are toxic to humans and to animals. There are many products that are created using all-natural ingredients that are safe for use in our homes. Research the products you use and you may be shocked to discover just what you are bringing into your home. Switch these for safer choices.
6. Clean Walls Regularly
Dust and other pollutants cling to your walls and build up quickly. Every movement releases this debris back into the air in your home. Using a safe cleaning product and warm water, wash your walls thoroughly at least once per week. Clean walls in areas such as the bathroom, pet areas, near outside doors, etc., even more frequently in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs.
7. Use Exhaust Fans
Use kitchen and exhaust fans to clear away germs and odors from your house quickly. Unlike older models, today’s exhaust fans don’t just draw the dirty air out, they purify it as well, leaving the air you breathe clean and safe. Remember to clean kitchen exhaust fans regularly, wiping down the blades and the entire area around the fan with warm, soapy water frequently.
8. Sweep And Mop Floors
Be conscientious about the cleanliness of the floors in your home. Think of the places every member of your family walks every day (pets too) and consider the kind of nastiness that is being carried onto your floors every day. Thoroughly sweep and then mop your floors regularly in order to remove these invisible enemies.
9. Maintain Air Filters
The air filter in your furnace needs to be examined weekly and changed if it is dirty. The general rule is to change the filter at least once every 90 days and to check it in between at 30-day intervals. Always change out your system’s air filter for a new once per month. This is a simple and inexpensive way to keep clean air flowing into your home.
10. Wipe Down Air Ducts And Vents
At the same time you wipe down your walls, clean your air ducts externally as well. Remove the duct cover and clean and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. Don’t just look at them and assume that they’re clean. Keeping them clean will clear away any unaccumulated pollutants.
Pickerington Heating and Cooling is fully staffed by trained, licensed HVAC technicians. A professional HVAC technician will come to your house and inspect and clean your HVAC system so that you can have a winter full of peace of mind knowing you are doing the best things to keep your family safe. Call Pickerington Heating & Cooling at 614-837-4026 or check out our website at www.pickheat.com.
