Are you looking to improve your air quality at home? You may be looking at the wrong solutions. A clean, good smelling home does not come from air fresheners or candles; it is the opposite. There are several different things that you can do and place in your home to improve your air quality.
Change Your Filters
How often do you change your air filters? Removing the source of pollutants in your home starts with the filters. What type of air filter are you using? You need first to figure out what kind of system you have and what kind you need to buy. Take a look at the minimum efficiency reporting value. This will give you the number associated with the ability to trap airborne particles. The higher the number, the better!
If you go to change your filter and notice that it is a darker color or even black, it is time to figure out the cause. It could be something as simple as particle build-up or as severe as mold. You may see particle build up from a lack of filter changes. This will attract an abundance of dust and debris. Mold occurs from moisture in your system. If the moisture does not drain right, it can create mold over time. If you see mold on your filter, make sure to dispose of them immediately and insert a new one.
Check your Air ducts
Cleaning your air ducts can be very beneficial to helping with air quality as well. Most people do not think about the fact that their air ducts can gather dust, grime, and other particles without you seeing them. If you notice mold growth inside the surface or ducts, that is a sign that they need cleaning right away. You can ask the provider to find the hard to reach places and check for all sorts of debris. You should also note that if you have certain insulation that gets moldy, this needs to be replaced.
Control the Humidity in your home
As we all know, humidity in Southwest Florida can get very high. Our bodies are not the only things that feel the negative impacts of this. It is very much encouraged to keep the humidity in your house down as best as you can. Make sure to keep the windows closed during the day or spurts of high humidity. Increasing air movement in the home with fans can help humidity levels. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can also help with air movement.
Have you checked for water leaks in your home? After a hurricane, tropical storm, or even a bad rainfall, you could experience water leakage. What this does is create very high humidity in your home. After a storm, do yourself a favor and check on your pipes, bathrooms, and near your kitchen sink to see if you have any leaks.
Consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your home. If you are in and out of the home or have poor circulation, a dehumidified could do wonders for your home. You do not have to run it every day, but you can use it when needed to program the humidity level that you desire in your home.
Plants are our Friends
Time to go plant shopping! People have said for ages that there are many reasons to have indoor plants. They smell nice, they improve your mood, and can help with your air quality. Plants can help to remove pollutants in your home such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and several others. Not to mention, a lot of these plants do not need extensive tending and can survive inside.
Some popular choices for indoor plants are:
English Ivy: Easy to maintain, can grow in the sun or shade, and lasts years.
This plant helps to remove harmful chemicals.
Dragon Tree: These cool looking plants can live in areas with not a lot of light. It can add a pop of color to your home as well.
Peace Lily: This super plant helps to combat toxic gases in your home such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They are easy to care for but make sure to keep away from pets and wash up after tending it.
Lemon Butter Fern: If you are looking to add a new texture to your plant collection, check this out. We know them for removing toxins in the air and do well if you tend to have a more humid home.
Test for mold
Have you seen spots of mold in your home? Have you noticed a musky smell in a certain area when you walk around your house? You could have mold! Mold in your home is not seen and is lurking behind walls or under cabinets. Having a mold test done is essential to maintain the air quality in your home. Rainy season or a bad hurricane is cause for a lot of mold issues in Southwest Florida, and people are not always quick to get their house tested. It is important that if you have an inkling of mold in your home, that we come out to try it right away.