Over 50 million people in the United States suffer from some type of respiratory allergies. In Austin, we know that the allergies can be pretty awful. Cedar, molds, and ragweed are just a few of the things that can make people miserable. Did you know that these allergens could easily become trapped in your home? Numerous reports state that indoor air quality can often times become worse than the air we breath outside. The Indoor Air Quality Association studies found that most people spend about 90% of their time indoors. That’s a lot of time inside! We might want to consider getting outside for some more fresh air. Often times our AC and heating system is guilty of helping to spread the allergens that make us not feel well.
Air conditioning works by taking the warm air that is already in the building and converting it into cooler air that is circulated back into the building. The air has to move through vents during this process. The air vents in your home are the perfect environments for dust to collect. Dust is comprised of allergens that can affect both human and animal respiratory systems. After entering the vents, the air must flow through the ductwork. This is another place where allergens and dust can collect. The air now has to travel back through the ductwork, vents, and air filter once it is cooled. That’s a lot of opportunity for dirt, dander, dust, and allergens to enter the air we breathe.
How clean do you think your home is? It is probably not as clean as you would like it to be. If you have pets and kids there is most likely even more opportunity for allergens to enter the home. Here are some suggestions on how to improve the general indoor air quality. First, keep floors clean. Use mats to collect dust and dirt at the door. Vacuum and mop to help control dust. Dust mites and mold love a wet environment. It is important to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30-50%. Not smoking in your home keeps the air healthier as does using natural air fresheners. Plants, fragrance free cleaners, and opening the windows when possible are ways to naturally freshen the air in your home.
Once you get the air in your home cleaned up using some of the tips above, it is time to check the cleanliness of the HVAC unit. The number one most important thing is to make sure the air filter is changed regularly. If you read our blog, you have read this before. Make sure to check the filter every month and change it at least every 3 months if not more often. At 1st AC and Heating Services we make it easy to complete this step by offering an online filter ordering system. We can even schedule regular maintenance visit to install the filters for you. This step will help lengthen the life of your HVAC unit and improve the air quality in your home. Dust off air vents with a Swiffer sweeper or microfiber cloth every week to reduce dust and allergens. If you still are not satisfied with the indoor air quality in your home or business, you may want to consider an indoor air quality device. These are designed to remove up to 99% of allergens and for people with extremely sensitive respiratory systems this may be a smart choice to help improve your quality of life.
Are you interested in learning more about ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home or business? Our knowledgeable staff at 1st AC and Heating Services is here to help. Give us a call today to get started.