Sometimes I feel like all the health information on the internet is going to drive me crazy. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Take vitamins. Don’t take Vitamins. Let’s take a deep breath and talk about something we can hopefully all agree on. Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects your health and the health of your house.
Indoor Air Pollution
Do you know the air inside the average home is about five times more polluted than outdoor air? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists indoor air pollution as a top five environmental hazard. Some of the common indoor pollutants are mold, pet dander, pollen, and regular old dirt and dust. Let’s look at three ways Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you improve the air quality in your Waterford, MI home.
Dirty HVAC? Keep It Clean
A dirty HVAC system can create indoor air quality problems or make existing problems worse by circulating dirty air throughout your house. The first line of defense is making sure your system is clean and well maintained. A key part of the process is inspecting your HVAC filter monthly and replacing it at least every two to three months. Remember, filters are going to get dirty more quickly if you live in a dusty area or have multiple household pets. Cleanliness is another reason why annual furnace, heat pump and/or air conditioner maintenance is so important. Only a trained technician can do the deep cleaning of all the HVAC components.
Add an Air Purifier
Filtration is great but filters are designed to catch particles. An air purifier, attached to the HVAC system, can do much more to improve indoor air quality by removing and killing organisms like mold, bacteria, and some viruses. Purifiers use differing technology but two of the most common are electrostatic charges to attract and trap particles and ultraviolet light to kill organisms. They are also effective at removing volatile organic chemicals that leach into the air from carpets, woodwork, and paints & stains. As a bonus, purifiers can also remove many household odors.
Don’t Ignore Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air is one of the least talked about factors of indoor air quality. The ideal humidity is between 40 and 50 percent. During a dry Waterford, MI winter the average home can have humidity levels in the mid to high teens. Research has shown this dry air makes it easier for the flu and other viruses to spread. The dryness can cause health problems like upper-respiratory issues, dry throat and nose, and itchy skin. Not to mention the annoyance of static electricity. The best way to create a healthy humidity level is with a whole-house humidifier which puts moisture in the air through your HVAC system.
Kotz Is Ready To Help
These are just some of the ways Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help improve the indoor air quality in your home. If you would like to know more, call now to schedule your free no-obligation estimate. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
