Serving Weatherford & Surrounding North Texas Region
Serving Weatherford & Surrounding North Texas Region
As we move into the colder winter months, your family will likely spend more time indoors than during the summer. With this increase in indoor activity, it’s natural to be concerned about indoor air quality and how to improve it. This is because poor air quality can lead to discomfort, allergies, and even health problems, so ensuring clean air is crucial for everyone in your home. Fortunately, we’ve compiled some of the best tips for enhancing indoor air quality that every homeowner should know.
HVAC filters are rated using the MERV scale, which indicates how effective they are at trapping airborne pollutants. A higher rating means a filter more efficiently captures unwanted particles like dust, pollen, and other allergens. Home HVAC systems generally accommodate filters with a MERV rating between 1 and 13. For optimal air filtration, consider using a filter rated between 10 and 13.
It’s important to note that a higher MERV rating doesn’t just trap larger particles; it can also filter out smaller, more harmful contaminants, including mold spores, smoke, and even bacteria. However, it’s crucial to remember that only clean filters can effectively capture airborne pollutants. Failing to replace your HVAC filter regularly can lead to poor indoor air quality and higher energy bills because a clogged filter forces your system to work harder. To avoid this, check your filter every month and replace it as needed. A simple test is to hold the filter up to the light—if you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement.
While many homeowners are familiar with portable air purifiers that target specific areas, whole-home air purification systems offer a more comprehensive solution. These systems are installed directly into your ductwork, typically in the return duct, to filter the air throughout your home. Unlike portable units, a whole-home air purifier can purify all the air in your house, ensuring every room benefits from improved air quality.
Ductwork is critical for air circulation in homes with forced-air heating systems. Over time, dust, pet dander, and other airborne debris can accumulate inside the ducts and re-enter the air every time the system runs. These pollutants can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and cause respiratory discomfort, especially in winter when windows are closed and fresh air is limited.
To maintain clean indoor air, it is essential to schedule professional duct cleaning every few years. An HVAC technician will clean out all the debris from your duct system, improve the overall air quality, and ensure that the air circulating in your home is free of harmful contaminants. Additionally, duct sealing services can close any air leaks that might allow outside contaminants to enter your ducts. Leaky ducts can cause energy inefficiency and higher heating and cooling costs. Sealing your ducts improves air quality and makes your HVAC system more efficient.
UV sanitizing lights are a highly effective tool for improving indoor air quality, particularly during the summer when air conditioners are in use. There are two main types of UV lights: air sanitizing and coil sanitizing. Air sanitizing lights are installed in the return plenum of your ductwork to treat the air before it enters your HVAC system. These lights help kill airborne bacteria, mold spores, and viruses before they circulate through your home.
On the other hand, coil sanitizing lights are placed above the evaporator coil on systems like central air conditioners or heat pumps. These lights prevent mold and mildew from growing on the coil, a common problem in moist environments. UV lights work by disrupting the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them incapable of reproducing or causing harm. Unlike filters, which trap particles, UV lights destroy contaminants, which is why they are an excellent addition to any air purification strategy.
A major contributor to poor indoor air quality is steam from cooking, which can release oils, smoke, and other pollutants into your home. Cooking without ventilation can result in the buildup of these contaminants. The best way to combat this is by using your exhaust fan.
When you cook, turn on the fan in your range hood to remove the steam and airborne particles. Additionally, use your bathroom exhaust fan during hot showers to vent moisture and odors directly outside. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which negatively impacts air quality. By regularly using these exhaust fans, you can significantly reduce the accumulation of harmful particles and moisture indoors.
As the weather cools down, the temptation to smoke indoors increases. However, cigarette smoke can release numerous harmful toxins into your indoor air, including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide. These toxins reduce air quality and have serious health impacts on those exposed to secondhand smoke.
If you or someone in your household smokes, it’s best to do so outside to prevent these toxins from lingering in your indoor air. The same goes for burning candles, incense, or wood indoors. While these may create a pleasant ambiance, they can also release harmful particles and chemicals that reduce air quality. Opt for flameless alternatives or outdoor smoking areas to ensure cleaner, healthier air inside your home.
Vacuuming is a highly effective way to reduce airborne pollutants in your home, especially when using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. These filters trap smaller contaminants, including dust, pollen, and pet dander, that other vacuums might miss. HEPA filters are especially beneficial for homes with pets, as they capture dander and hair more efficiently.
Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release toxins into the air. These chemicals contribute to poor air quality and can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation.
Switching to natural cleaning products can avoid introducing harmful chemicals into your home. Look for green or eco-friendly products free from VOCs and other harmful substances. Many natural cleaning products are made with plant-based ingredients and are as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts. You can keep your home clean without compromising air quality by choosing natural cleaners.
Humidity levels play a significant role in indoor air quality. Excess humidity creates the ideal environment for mold, mildew, and dust mites to thrive. These allergens can significantly impact air quality inside your home and exacerbate respiratory conditions.
Keeping humidity in check is as simple as investing in a whole-home dehumidifier. These systems work alongside your HVAC system to maintain optimal humidity levels. Ideally, indoor humidity should range between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth and ensure comfort. You can even set the desired humidity level on your thermostat for automatic adjustments, ensuring that your home remains at a comfortable level year-round.
If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, scheduling an indoor air quality assessment is a smart first step. HVAC professionals can test for various airborne pollutants, including mold, allergens, and VOCs, to determine the concentration levels throughout different rooms in your home. This data allows you to prioritize actions to improve your air quality. After implementing changes, follow-up testing can help you track progress and determine how much your air quality has improved.
Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical offers top-quality indoor air quality services to the Weatherford, TX community. We’re here to help with all your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical needs. Reach out to our friendly staff today to schedule your next service appointment.
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