What to Do When the Air Quality Outside is Low
After spending years in the HVAC and air quality industry, we know firsthand how important it is to protect your home’s indoor air quality, especially during times like these when the outdoor air quality is suffering. With the wildfires affecting much of the east coast, many homeowners in the Canton, GA, area are understandably concerned about the impact on their health and their homes.
In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to improve and protect your home’s indoor air quality and how to protect yourself from worsening air quality outside.
Ensure the Proper Functioning of Your HVAC System
Your home’s HVAC system is your first defense against poor air quality. In addition to ensuring that your air filters have been replaced recently, you also want to make sure your system is functioning well and efficiently. These two things will help to keep the air circulating throughout your home cleaner and help remove any harmful particles that may be present in the outdoor air.
Air filters should be replaced 3-4 times a year. We recommend changing them quarterly at the start of each new season. Make sure to use high-quality filters designed to capture small particles, such as those found in wildfire smoke.
We also recommend scheduling a yearly cooling system inspection at the start of the summer season. Summer is when we most often see the outside air quality diminish. This makes late spring/early summer the perfect time to schedule your routine maintenance visit.
Consider Whole-Home Air Filtration & Purification
Another way to improve your home’s indoor air quality is to use an air purifier. These devices are designed to remove contaminants from the air, including smoke particles. Many different types of air purifiers are available on the market, so it’s important to do your research and choose one that is appropriate for your home and your needs.
Though you can purchase small, movable air filters designed to work in individual rooms, we encourage you to install a whole-home air filtration or purification system if you are concerned about your home’s overall air quality. These systems are designed to work in tandem with your HVAC and typically are unobtrusive, quiet, and highly effective.
There are many different types of indoor air quality systems, including:
Before purchasing a new air quality system, we recommend speaking with the air quality experts at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC. These systems work extremely well but are an investment. You want to be sure you are getting the right system for your needs before spending the money.
DIY Tips for Preserving Your Indoor Air Quality
When it comes to protecting yourself from worsening air quality outside, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, try to limit your exposure to outdoor air as much as possible. This may mean staying indoors as much as possible, especially during peak times of poor air quality. You can also wear a mask or other protective gear when you do need to go outside.
Here are some more DIY tips for protecting your home’s air quality:
- Bathe pets regularly to reduce pet dander and allergens in the air.
- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove humidity and pollutants from cooking and showering.
- Cut down on pollutants by using natural cleaning products and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals.
- Control allergens by regularly cleaning bedding, dusting surfaces, and vacuuming carpets and upholstery.
- Check for any cracks or leaks in your home and seal them to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering.
- Regularly test your air quality with an air quality monitor to identify any potential issues.
Finally, it’s important to stay informed about the air quality in your area. Monitor local news sources and government websites for air quality updates, and act accordingly.
Are you concerned about your home’s air quality? Reach out to Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC for guidance. We are standing by to help you today.