Your home is likely where you spend the majority of your time. Because of this, you want the air you breathe to be clean and healthy. Indoor air quality is a common issue in many homes and an issue that a lot of HVAC professionals encounter when on the job. Without proper care, allergens and bacteria can collect in your home’s HVAC system, leading to a reduction in quality of life and, in some cases, a health hazard. Luckily, you have several options to keep the air in your home clean, and knowing the difference between air cleaners vs. air purifiers can help you make informed choices about improving your home’s air quality. Here is more information on methods of improving your home’s air quality and why this is important.
Why Bad In-Home Air Quality Is Dangerous
A variety of airborne irritants can collect in your home’s HVAC system, such as in ductwork. Common irritants include mold, bacteria, viruses, dust, pet dander, smoke, and more. Having these irritants collected in your home can make breathing uncomfortable and if you have any breathing issues, allergies, or other health ailments, prolonged exposure to irritants like these can have a notable negative impact on your wellbeing. Plus, debris collecting in your HVAC system can greatly reduce its efficiency and even lead to mechanical issues in extreme cases.
Four Methods To Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
There are many approaches to improving your indoor air quality. Common methods such as increased filtering, support tools to further clean the air, and environmental modifications can make your home’s air cleaner and make it less susceptible to biological irritants such as molds. Four of the most widely used methods to clean indoor air are listed below.
1. Cleaning:
the first step in improving your home’s indoor air quality and fighting allergens is to clean more often to help prevent irritants such as dust mites from building up and being spread around your home. Sweeping, wiping down counters, vacuuming, and mopping weekly can help reduce preventable irritants from collecting. Other regular cleaning up such as washing sheets and blankets can help keep the air in your home dust free, as can vacuuming furniture with upholstery.
2. Dehumidifier:
there are dehumidifiers designed to cover your entire home. These can be a practical addition to your HVAC system if your environment is a type that biological pathogens tend to collect in. An overly warm or humid house can increase mold and spore growth. A dehumidifier can reduce the growth of these pathogens by adjusting the in-home environment.
3. Air Filters:
your HVAC system’s filters are designed to collect irritants from the air and prevent them from being circulated throughout your home. However, over time, air filters become clogged or simply wear out due to regular use. Replacing your air filters regularly helps keep the air clean. Also, consider switching to more advanced air filters if you want a high standard of air cleaning.
4. Air Purifiers:
an air filter can improve your home’s air quality by working alongside other methods such as effective air filters. Air purifiers remove irritants from the air that may bypass air filters such as microscopic bacteria and viruses, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and other common allergy causes. An air purifier cleans the air several times per hour and makes use of electricity to kill pathogens such as viruses that can cause illnesses.
Final Thoughts
Your home should be a place of comfort and relaxation. Part of that goal is making sure the air you breathe is safe and free of harmful pathogens. If you are coughing more or have respiratory health issues that seem to be getting worse, the cause could be irritants in your home. A professional can help improve the air you breathe in your home.
