How to Improve Your Air Quality Fast

When your indoor air quality is poor, you’ll likely notice. Low air quality can lead to headaches, breathing problems, itchy or watery eyes, and more. There are a lot of different causes of low air quality, ranging from outdoor pollutants to indoor air filters. While you might not be able to do much about outdoor pollutants like pollen or smog, there’s certainly something you can do about indoor air pollutants. Here are a few ways that you can improve your indoor air quality fast! 

Change Your Air Filter

How long has it been since you’ve looked at your air filter? If it’s been a while (more than a few months) since you’ve checked it, it’s probably time for you to do so. If it appears dusty or dirty, it’s time to replace it. Make sure that you get the right air filter to replace it with- if you get the wrong kind, it may not fit or filter air correctly, leading to additional indoor air quality problems in your home. Changing an air filter is a relatively easy task that most people can complete on their own. You may or may not have more than one air filter in your home that you need to take care of. They may be in a return air duct, a window air conditioning unit, or the air handler cabinet. Replacing the filter usually requires simply taking the cover off, removing the dirty filter, and placing the new filter in the same spot. 

Keep Your Carpets Clean

Did you know that carpets and rugs can actually act like air filters? They trap dust, pet hair, dirt, and more in their fibers. If you don’t clean them regularly, those particles will be released into the air when you walk on the carpets. You can prevent this problem by cleaning them regularly. Vacuuming your carpets once a week and taking your rugs outside for a good shake or throwing them in the wash can help your air quality more than you might expect! 

Use Your Green Thumb 

Did you know that keeping some indoor plants can really help your air quality? Certain plants, such as ferns and lilies, can help remove contaminants and freshen up the air in your home. Do some research before going out and buying plants, though. Not all plants have this effect, and some plants (such as lilies) are toxic to pets. 

Be Cautious of Mold

Not-so-fun fact: within 24-48 hours of a leak or water damage, mold can begin to grow. Mold can be a serious detriment to your indoor air quality and your health. Ensure that you’re keeping the humidity in your home low. You can turn on the fan immediately after a shower to keep moisture from settling in your bathroom, and some HVAC systems have settings for humidity. Try to keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50%. Investing in a dehumidifier for use during the warm, humid summer months may also be a good idea.

Smoke Outside

If you smoke cigarettes, consider moving your smoke breaks outside. Cigarette smoke contains lots of chemicals that can impact your indoor air quality. It also tends to cling to carpets and walls, causing the smell of smoke to linger in your home for a long time. Smoking outside instead will prevent the smoke from impacting your indoor air quality. 

Do You Need Indoor Air Quality Help?

When your home needs fast, high-quality service, you can count on Stack Heating, Cooling, & Electric! Our experienced technicians will help you determine the best way to improve your indoor air quality, including determining whether a filtration system is right for you and your home. We want you to know that your family’s safety and comfort is our number one priority, as it always has been. We are taking all necessary precautions and following CDC guidelines to keep our customers and employees healthy. We’ve been serving the Cleveland area for over 40 years, and we’re not going anywhere. Give us a call at (440) 937-9134 or visit us on our website today and find out what we can do for you!