Low indoor air quality is one of those things that tends to sneak up on homeowners. It’s usually a gradual degradation of the indoor air that many people don’t even realize until they have symptoms associated with their air.
While it’s never good to have polluted indoor air, Valentine’s Day is one of the worst times to deal with poor air quality. Nothing ruins the mood like a coughing fit, a terrible asthma attack, or a headache. And these are just the best-case scenarios for poor indoor air quality. If there are things like asbestos or radon in the air, the long-term consequences could be dire. So, read on to find out how to keep the indoor air clean.
Common Air Pollutants
Aside from asbestos, carbon monoxide, and radon, other unpleasant indoor air pollutants are commonly found in homes. These range from innocuous to deadly. Even the relatively “harmless” pollutants can cause serious problems for those with respiratory issues. The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to air pollution than anyone else.
Some of the most common air pollutants include:
Particulates
Bacteria
Viruses
Insect Parts
Mold
Pet Dander
Mildew
Without the proper air filtering or purifying system, at least some portion of the air in a home is likely to carry some of the above airborne pollutants.
Air Sanitizer vs. Air Purifier
When dealing with pollutants in the home’s air, homeowners have two main options: air purifiers or air sanitizers. They both perform similar functions, but they go about it differently. Air purifiers use a series of filters to physically remove pollutants from the air. You often see air purifiers as standalone appliances that can be moved into a room. Using a fan, the purifier will pull air into the appliance, removing the pollutants and cycling the air back out, nice and clean.
Air sanitizers work a little differently. Instead of removing harmful particles from the air, they use ultraviolet radiation to turn harmful particles into harmless ones. They don’t actually remove particles from the air, but they render those particles inert and harmless with UV light. These systems can be installed in existing HVAC units or purchased as standalone units, much like purifiers.
Both provide cleaner air for the home. When it comes down to it, air sanitizers are usually more cost-effective for the whole house, while air purifiers are ideal for placing in a room for an infant or an elderly family member. Other Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Aside from upgrading the home’s system, homeowners can do a few other things to improve the air quality in their homes:
Keep the home clean
A clean home makes for clean air.
Replace the air filter regularly
Replace your air filters very two months for those with pets, or three months otherwise.
Open the windows
Opening the windows, even for a short period, can help clear pollutants.
Avoid indoor plants
Indoor plants can contribute to indoor pollution and allergies.
Have regular HVAC maintenance
Cleaning the indoor and outdoor units, filters, and ducts can help keep the indoor air clean.
About Premier Service Company For nearly 30 years, Premier Service Company has been serving Tuscaloosa, AL. Their top priority is customer care and quality workmanship. They offer flat-rate pricing and the peace of mind that comes with fully licensed technicians on every job. Contact them today to improve the indoor air quality in any Tuscaloosa home.