During the winter, many people keep their doors and windows shut tightly. While this helps to keep the heat in, it can also create a stuffy and dry environment inside. It may also result in dust and other pollutants being trapped inside your home, making the air quality less than ideal. Without the proper attention to your home’s indoor air quality, you may discover that your home is saturated with pet dander, dead skin residue, mold dust and other pollutants from outside and inside. This can include herbicides and pesticides, as well as paint residue and cleaning product fumes.
The fact is, inside air pollution can be extremely harmful to the elderly, young children and those who suffer from respiratory issues. However, if the exposure continues, this can be dangerous to anyone in the home, resulting in allergies, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory problems over time. Some tips to help reduce air pollutants inside your home this winter can be found here.
Keep Floors and Carpets Clean
Carpeting is notorious for trapping indoor air pollutants of all types. You can keep them clean by using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter once weekly. It may also be a good idea to steam clean the flooring every few months. If you don’t have one of your own, it may be necessary to hire a professional for this service.
It is also a good idea to ask everyone to remove their shoes prior to entering the home. Using floor mats can also help to prevent air pollutants from being dragged into the home. Also, be sure to clean the mats on a regular basis.
Check the Heating and AC System Regularly
If your heating and air conditioning system filters and vents have not been cleaned recently, they may be holding quite a bit of hair, pollen, dust and other well-known allergens. There are many modern systems that have air filters and vents that can be easily cleaned without the help of a professional technician.
If you have vents and filters that are hard to get to, but they have not been cleaned in a while, it can be beneficial to hire a professional cleaning service. This will help reduce air pollutants in your home and circulate the air more efficiently.
Crack Your Windows and Use Fans
Even when it is cold outside, it can be beneficial to crack your windows at least once a week. This can help to freshen the air in the home and let out some of the pollutants that have accumulated there. Fans can also help to keep the air circulating in the home, which will prevent the growth of mold.
When you use the tips here, you will be able to benefit from fresh air throughout the winter. These tips can also help your heating system run more efficiently, which will save you money on heating costs. If you have more questions, you should contact your repair technician.