Indoor Air Quality in Houston

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there’s been growing evidence to support the notion that the air within homes and buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the most industrialized cities. Several causes lead to poor air quality, but there are steps you can take to breathe healthier, cleaner air.

Keep your family and home safe by following these actionable tips!

1. Bring Nature Indoors

On top of adding a beautiful aesthetic, certain houseplants can help remove airborne toxins. Here’s a list of some plants to get you started:

• English ivy
• Rubber tree
• Snake plant
• Bamboo palm
• Red-edged dracaena

You don’t need to be a botanist to care for them. In addition to being decorative, these houseplants are low-maintenance.

2. Groom Your Pets Regularly

Pets release an allergen known as pet dander. These microscopic particles shed by animals with fur or feathers easily stick to your furniture, bedding, and carpet, which is why it’s important to bathe and brush them regularly.

Make it a point to routinely dust and vacuum to control the spread of dander and other allergens.

3. Let the Fresh Air In

Today’s energy-efficient homes are so well sealed that they don’t allow for much exchange between the inside and outside air. That’s good because it keeps cooling costs low. Unfortunately, it also means your recirculating the same stale air. Open a window or patio door for five minutes a day to bring in fresh air. Do this in the mornings when it’s cool outside and you’re not running your AC.

4. Routinely Replace Filters

A dirty HVAC filter can worsen your health by circulating air that’s accumulated with dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants. Replace your filter every 30 days to breathe cleaner air and to keep your HVAC system working at peak performance.

5. Get Your Ducts Cleaned

If you have excessive dust in your home, that could suggest dirty ducts. A thin layer of dust within your ductwork is perfectly normal, but if you notice a thick build-up of dust and grime, that could be a sign of a larger problem.

Heavy dust accumulation could mean that the seals within your ducts have failed. If that’s the case, your HVAC system is drawing in contaminates — and you’re breathing them in.. Not only do you need your ducts professionally cleaned, but they should also be inspected for gaps and holes and resealed if necessary.

6. Avoid Products That Release Volatile Organic Compounds

Many household products have chemicals in them that release toxic VOCs. Try to minimize your use of paint, aerosol sprays, cleaners, and disinfectants that have harsh chemicals in them.

7. Schedule a Home Air Quality Test

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns. Depending on your needs, we can analyze your home for air infiltration problem spots, recommend or install IAQ equipment, and create an action plan for making your air safe and clean.

Our experts know how to help your family breathe clean, healthy air!

Source: mid-fla