Many of us are spending a lot of time indoors, especially during these times of COVID. We want to assume that the air we are breathing is clean. But, did you know, that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air? It’s true, according to https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality.
Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks according to the EPA. Bad indoor can put you at risk for serious health problems. Some indoor air pollutants are chemicals and gases, others are mildews and molds and others are and living organisms like pests. These sources of indoor air pollution create symptoms of sore eyes, burning in the nose and throat, headaches, sneezing and fatigue. They can worsen existing allergies, respiratory illnesses (such as asthma), heart disease and other serious long-term conditions, too.
High temperatures and levels of blowing dirt, like we experience here in Phoenix and Tucson, can also increase concentrations of some pollutants over time. The air where you live or frequent needs to be cleaned regularly!
There are some things you can do yourself to protect you and your family and improve your indoor air quality. Usually the best way to address this risk is to control or eliminate the sources of pollutants. Here’s how Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating suggests you do just that:
- Install an air cleaner with your HVAC system.
Some air cleaning devices are designed to be installed with ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to clean the air in the whole house. Others, like portable room air cleaners, can be used to clean the air in a single room or specific areas. Both work, but portable air cleaners do not work with the whole house and are not as effective as built in air cleaners. Alaskan Air can help you research the best air cleaners to install with your heating and cooling equipment to maintain a healthier home. - Regularly change your air filters.
While this sounds like a simple task, it is not done as often as it should be. Some excuses are we just simply forget to pick them up when we are at the store. Alaskan Air has a solution…call us for your filter changes! - Consistently clean, dust and vacuum your home.
Keeping your home clean and vacuumed is more than half the battle. It helps rid your living spaces of dirt, dust and other allergens and pollutants that cause breathing problems, especially for older adults, asthma sufferers and children. - Maintain your ducts.
The American Lung Association suggests cleaning your ducts every 5 to 10 years as a best way to keep harsh chemicals and pollutants from settling in the home through the ductwork. If you have ducts that leak or have big open holes (and you’ll know this especially if you have high utility bills), get them sealed. Our Aeroseal process can help you seal the holes that are causing you to have too much dust and pollutants in your home. Aeroseal can also help you lower utility bills due to wasted energy lost through the air ducts. An Alaskan Air inspection of the ductwork comes with every new system. We’ll make a best recommendation for healthier ducts. - Some common sense is to not smoke in your house.
Tobacco smoke is among the most harmful chemicals in our culture and can easily and immediately infect your air (and lungs) and those of anyone who lives with you. If you love your family, especially your children, don’t smoke indoors. - Finally, ventilate.
Occasionally opening the windows to let fresh air in for even just a few minutes will immediately freshen up your living space and thin out the bad air. Do this every day and you’ll enjoy cleaner indoor air.
Want proof of the crud in your air? Next time you change your air filter, see just how much stuff there is in there. That is what your family is breathing in.
For a free new system estimate with air cleaning solution, call the professionals at Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating.