By AJ Danboise
Winter is the most important time of year to make sure you are keeping a healthy indoor air quality. With the cold and flu going around and more people spending time inside due to colder temperatures, it’s no surprise that one out of ten people will get sick in January alone. The first step in protecting your household from cold and flu this winter is making sure your home’s indoor air quality is as healthy as possible. These tips from our experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical will help ensure your home is keeping a healthy IAQ all winter long.
Bring in house plants.
Houseplants help to clean and purify the air by removing excess carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They are a safe and easy way to add fresh air to your home in the winter. Some species can even absorb air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. Good options that are also pet friendly include ferns, spider plants, and aloe vera.
Install a whole-home air purifier.
A whole-home air purifier is installed to your HVAC unit and filters the air before it circulates through your home. They improve indoor air quality by removing allergens, dust, and odors. If a whole-home air purifier is not an option for your home, try setting up individual units for each room or in areas where they are needed most.
Proper Ventilation
Newer homes are very well insulated. As a result, during the winter months, when windows are left closed and the heat is on, indoor air quality can suffer. When weather allows, open a window to allow fresh air in and stale air out. Kitchen and bathroom vents are another great way to pull out some of the stale indoor air during the winter. Be aware, these also pull out the warm, heated air if left on for too long. Only use them as needed.
Check and change air filters regularly.
The most important thing you can do for healthy indoor air quality is to have clean air filters. Check them at least once a month and change them every 2-3 months. If you have pets or members of the household that are sensitive to allergens, they may need to be changed as frequently as once a month.
Eliminate dust.
Keeping your home dust free will help your air filters to work more efficiently and improve your indoor air quality. During the winter months be sure to regularly dust and vacuum your home to reduce airborne pollutants.
Keep your household happy and healthy this winter with a healthy IAQ. Not only will your family thank you, but your HVAC system will run more efficiently too. If you notice anything unusual with your HVAC system this winter, call AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Our professionals will help to diagnose and fix the problem before you lose heat or your indoor air quality suffers. Call us at (248) 477-3626 to make an appointment today!
