Breathing Easy: Essential Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

As homeowners, you may be more inclined to focus more on the aesthetics of your home rather than the air quality you breathe. However, air quality is critical to a healthy living space, and indoor pollution can significantly impact our health and well-being. One important component that plays a significant role in this is your heating and cooling systems.

Unfortunately, most homeowners are unaware of the harmful pollutants that can accumulate at home, from pet dander and dust to chemical fumes and mold spores. Yet, the good news is that with a few essential steps, you can significantly boost our indoor air quality (IAQ), help your HVAC system perform optimally, and breathe easily in your home.

The Impact of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Health

Poor indoor air quality can severely affect your and your family’s health and well-being. It can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms, cause respiratory issues, and lead to long-term health problems. By taking proactive measures to improve indoor air quality, such as regular HVAC system maintenance, you can significantly reduce these risks and create a healthier living space for your loved ones.

5 Tips to Help Maintain IAQ and Reduce Allergies in Your Home

1. Ensure Your Ventilation System Functions Properly

Proper ventilation is vital to maintaining a healthy home environment. Without proper ventilation, your home can become a breeding ground for pollutants by trapping stale air that contains high levels of carbon dioxide, mold, and other harmful toxins.

A great solution is to install an efficient ventilation system, such as a heat recovery or energy recovery ventilation system, that can provide fresh air while also removing pollutants. In addition, it's crucial to ensure that exhaust vents and HVAC ducts are regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Our Aire Serv of Birmingham team recommends cleaning your vents every 3 to 5 years.

2. Maintain Air Filters

Air filters are essential in keeping indoor air clean by capturing airborne pollutants such as pet dander, allergens, and dust. When shopping for air filters, look for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters with a higher MERV rating that can trap the smallest particles.

For those unfamiliar, MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a rating system used to measure the effectiveness of an air filter in removing airborne particles from the air. The MERV rating scale ranges from 1 to 16, with a higher number indicating a higher level of filtration efficiency.

Here is a breakdown of the MERV ratings and their corresponding filtration capabilities:

• MERV 1-4: These filters provide basic filtration and are typically found in residential homes. They can capture larger particles like dust, pollen, and carpet fibers.
• MERV 5-8: These filters offer improved filtration and are commonly used in commercial buildings. They can remove smaller particles, including mold spores, pet dander, and fine dust.
• MERV 9-12: These filters provide even higher filtration efficiency and are often used in commercial and industrial settings. They can trap smaller particles like lead dust, milled flour, and some bacteria.
• MERV 13-16: These filters offer the highest level of filtration and are commonly used in hospitals and laboratories. They can effectively capture very small particles, such as smoke, viruses, and most bacteria.

Higher MERV ratings generally provide better filtration but may also reduce airflow, so ensure your HVAC system can accommodate the selected filter. Consult with one of our HVAC service professionals in Birmingham, or refer to your HVAC system's manual for guidance on the suitable MERV rating for optimal performance.

Additionally, be sure to replace air filters regularly to maintain optimal performance. Check and change your air filters according to manufacturer recommendations, usually every 1 to 3 months.

3. Humidity Control

Humidity levels in your home can impact the growth of mold and other pollutants that thrive in moisture. As such, it's essential to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50%. One way to achieve this is by using a dehumidifier in damp areas like the basement or bathroom. Another option is to install a humidity sensor to monitor humidity levels and ensure they remain within the recommended range.

4. Eco-Friendly Products

Consider swapping out cleaning products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for eco-friendly options that use natural ingredients such as:

• Vinegar: Vinegar is a versatile natural cleaner that can be used on various surfaces. Its acidity makes it effective in removing grease, grime, and bacteria. Dilute vinegar with water to clean windows, mirrors, countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. For an added boost, infuse vinegar with citrus peels to create a pleasantly scented cleaning solution.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a gentle yet powerful cleaning agent that can tackle tough stains and odors. Use it as a scrub for sinks, bathtubs, and tile grout. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize odors. It can also be combined with water to create a paste for cleaning ovens and removing stubborn marks from walls.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides natural acidity and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for disinfecting surfaces. Use lemon juice to clean cutting boards, and kitchen countertops, and remove stains from clothing. The fresh scent of lemons adds a pleasant aroma to your home while you clean.

Utilizing these natural cleaning products will help to reduce the number of chemicals released into the air, resulting in a safer, cleaner breathing environment.

Always test natural cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area before applying them to larger surfaces, and exercise caution when using any cleaning product.

5. HVAC Maintenance, Repair, or Replacement

Your HVAC system is critical in filtering out pollutants and regulating air quality in your home. However, without proper maintenance, an HVAC system can actually contribute to indoor air pollution. The solution is to ensure your system is cleaned and maintained regularly by a professional. Furthermore, if your system is outdated or inefficient, it may be time to consider replacing your unit with a newer, more efficient model that can help to eliminate indoor pollutants.

Let Aire Serv of Birmingham Help You Breathe Easier!

By implementing these essential tips, you can improve the air quality in your home and breathe easier. Ensuring your home's indoor air quality is high will also lower the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and other health-related issues.

Remember to consider ventilation systems, air filters, humidity control, and eco-friendly products, and contact our professionals at Aire Serv of Birmingham. Proper maintenance, repair, or replacement of your HVAC system is necessary to ensure that the air quality in your home is at its best.

Request an appointment with our Birmingham team today!