Relaxing in a cool and fully air-conditioned home during summer will surely make you feel more comfortable and much better. However, it is also the time of the year when the air inside your home can be more polluted than the outdoor air, which can give your home an unhealthy environment.
Fortunately, there are some ways to keep the air quality clean and cool this summer and these include the following:
Change Your Air Filters
One of the ways to ensure clean and cool air quality in your home for the summer is to change your air filters monthly. Using quality 30x30x1 air filters can be an effective tool to protect your house from indoor allergens and air pollutants. Moreover, proper ventilation in your house can help you maintain air quality. Check the vent fans in your kitchen and bathroom areas to ensure they’re working at an optimal level.
Invest in Good Quality Air Purifier
Pollen and dust particles can be microscopic, which may be impossible to clean as that’s something you cannot see. Therefore, you need to use air purifiers. A good quality air purifier can remove and trap pollutants effectively through filtering the air and releasing fresher and cleaner air.
An air purifier can be helpful during summer as it ensures that your indoor air is clean. Depending on the model of an air purifier, some units can release negative ions to the air to help neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses.
When searching for an air purifier, choose the unit with high CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate. The unit with higher CADR is fast when filtering air. If you have extra budget, you can also invest in air purifiers with a fan, so that clean air will be circulated around your home effectively.
Add Indoor Plants
Plants don’t just add color to your home. Using plants can also make a difference in improving indoor air quality because they also serve as natural air purifiers. No matter what your preferences, there are some plants that thrive in sunlight and others require little light and less maintenance. If you cannot think of any indoor plants to plant in your home, you may consider terrarium or spider plant. These plants can brighten up your space and clear the air at the same time.
Use Dehumidifiers
If you do not have one already, it might be time to invest in dehumidifiers. During the humid and hot summer months, allergens and pests thrive in a humid environment. For instance, dust mites enjoy humidity, which may trigger asthma and allergies. Most of the dust mites die off in a low humidity level or extreme temperature. Investing in dehumidifiers can help you control the dust mites and some allergens like mold.
Consider UV Lighting in Your Ductwork
The problem with most AC units is that the ductwork may stay cool and collect moisture constantly. Through installing UV lighting in your ductwork, killing bacteria and mold that thrive in dark and cool environments can be done easily. UV lighting is an effective and simple solution to reduce allergens in your house not just during summer, but throughout all the seasons.
Pay Importance to Routine Cleaning
Mopping and vacuuming regularly can reduce the concentrations of allergens and chemicals in your house including dust mites, pollen, fire retardant chemicals, pet dander, and so on. HEPA filter vacuums are best at this task, which prevents contaminants from getting blown back to the air. After a few rounds of vacuuming, mopping with plain water can be ideal to get rid of the trace particles.
Use Natural Cleaning Products and Fragrance Alternatives
Synthetic fragrances in laundry products, piney cleaners, and lemon polish can make you think of cleanliness. However, did you know that such products emit lots of dangerous VOCs and chemicals into the air, which can be detrimental to your health? So, instead of synthetics, use effective and naturally safe cleaners such as lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda. You may also choose naturally scented and fragrance-free products.
Clean Your Ducts Regularly
You’d be surprised at how much dust, dirt, and some contaminants could settle in your air ducts. In fact, if it has been months or a year since you’ve had your air ducts cleaned professionally. All airborne contaminants are circulated throughout your home through your AC unit, and cause indoor air pollution. Therefore, you should always call for professionals regularly to check your ducts and avail a thorough cleaning to get rid of such harmful buildups.
Conclusion
Improving indoor air quality is never an impossible thing to do. With the above-mentioned ways and by regular cleaning at home, you can be assured to have comfortable summer. However, if you have done everything to maintain clean and cool air quality in your home, but still not getting any results, make sure to contact the experts and get professional help.
