When you think about creating a comfortable home, temperature control often comes first. However, indoor air quality is just as important—and often overlooked. The air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Over time, breathing in contaminants like dust, mold, and chemicals can have a serious impact on your health and overall well-being. Poor air quality can contribute to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems, not to mention making your home feel stuffy and unpleasant. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to improve the air you breathe inside your home.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
One of the easiest steps you can take is to maintain a clean living environment. Dust, pet dander, and mold spores are common indoor pollutants that settle into carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum, dusting surfaces with a damp cloth, and washing bedding in hot water can significantly reduce these irritants.
2. Control Humidity Levels
High humidity can promote mold growth and attract dust mites, both of which harm indoor air quality. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%. In particularly humid areas like Katy, TX, investing in a whole-house dehumidifier may be a smart long-term solution.
3. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
Your heating and cooling system plays a huge role in maintaining indoor air quality. Dirty or clogged filters allow dust and allergens to circulate through your home. Make it a habit to check your HVAC filters once a month and replace them as needed—typically every 60 to 90 days. For households with pets or allergy sufferers, changing filters more frequently can make a big difference.
4. Use an Air Purification System
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including pollen, dust, and bacteria. Some systems also target odors and chemical pollutants. If you want a comprehensive solution, consider whole-home air purification options that work in tandem with your HVAC system.
5. Ventilate Your Home
Natural ventilation can help dilute indoor air pollutants. Open windows and doors when weather permits to allow fresh air to circulate. Installing exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can also help remove contaminants and moisture.
6. Choose Low-VOC Products
Many paints, cleaning products, and furniture materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm indoor air quality. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives whenever possible, and store chemicals like paints and solvents in well-ventilated areas.
7. Invest in Professional Indoor Air Quality Services
While DIY steps are important, professional assessment and solutions can take your air quality to the next level. AC Comfort, offering indoor air quality services in Katy, can identify hidden sources of pollution, recommend customized solutions, and install advanced systems like UV air purifiers and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).
Breathe easier by taking proactive steps to improve your indoor environment. A healthier home starts with cleaner air, and you don’t have to tackle it alone.