By winter’s end, your indoor air quality may not be at its best due to months of keeping windows and doors closed. The stagnant air can trap VOCs and allergens inside, which is particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. The good news is that you can take steps immediately to start improving your indoor air quality as the season transitions to spring.
Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Clean or change your HVAC system’s air filter every few months to improve your home’s indoor air quality and your HVAC unit’s efficiency. Homes with health-compromised individuals, smokers, children, pets, seniors, or allergy sufferers should do the task more frequently.
Before starting, shut the system off at the electrical panel. To clean a reusable filter, take it out, wash it gently, then let it dry completely before you replace it. If the system has a disposable filter, simply exchange it for a clean one.
If you’re still using standard HVAC filters, consider upgrading to a HEPA filter. They trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles, helping to make your air cleaner and healthier.
Schedule a Professional Inspection and Tune-Up
A professional HVAC inspection and tune-up service is one of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality. During the appointment, technicians perform many tasks, including cleaning the components. A cleaner HVAC unit means fewer contaminants invade your living spaces.
Expert technicians can also make recommendations for how you can improve your indoor air quality. For instance, they may suggest making simple changes in your daily routine or considering system upgrades.
Ventilate Your Indoor Air
Many homeowners want to open their windows during winter to allow fresh air in and stale air out. However, when average January lows in Amherst are 18 degrees, it’s challenging to keep them open for long. As temperatures warm up, open windows at least twice a day for approximately 10 minutes each time. This can help freshen the air and remove pollutants.
Consider HVAC Accessories
Consider incorporating some HVAC accessories that could help improve your indoor air quality as the season transitions into spring. For example, a whole-home air purifier can help you breathe easier by reducing odors, removing a significant amount of pollutants, and protecting your HVAC system. The best part is that it improves the indoor air quality in any area with a supply vent. This is unlike portable options that address only one room at a time.
Installing a whole-home dehumidifier is another option. Humidity in the city increases in spring. Ideally, humidity levels within a home should be between 30% and 50%. Levels that are too high could result in problems like increased allergens and structural damage. If they’re too low, it could dry out wood surfaces and cause you physical discomfort due to dry eyes, skin, and nasal passages.
If you’re unsure which HVAC accessories would be best for your home, our team can help. We’ll discuss your needs and preferences to help you make informed decisions that can improve your indoor air quality.
Start Deep Cleaning
Dust and debris that have been trapped indoors must land somewhere in your home, and they don’t always settle on easy-to-wipe hard surfaces. For example, they often sink into carpets, rugs, upholstered chairs and couches, curtains, comforters, and pillows. A deep cleaning can help eliminate a significant amount of these pollutants. However, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your furnishings. When cleaning your floors, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, as it traps more particles while improving your indoor air quality.
Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants
Many people use items regularly that could contribute to poor indoor air quality. Air fresheners, scented candles, harsh household cleaners, and perfumes are only some of the culprits. Limit these as much as possible, for example, by choosing natural cleaners or opening windows to freshen the air, to help give your indoor air quality a boost.
Boost your indoor air quality for the upcoming spring season. Heatwave Heating & Cooling in Amherst, NY offers dehumidifiers, air duct cleaning, and other professional indoor air quality services to local homeowners. Call today to schedule an appointment or book one online through our website.
