Improving Your Indoor Air Quality in Arizona
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality in Arizona
Air Quality
A house with inadequate indoor air quality can increase respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, intensifying the symptoms. Individuals without any health concerns can experience the adverse effects of poor air. The presence of contaminants such as dust and allergens circulating in the air can cause fatigue and irritation of the eyes and throat. Installing an Air Purification System could improve your home’s air quality.
Fortunately, you don’t have to tolerate and bear the burden of these challenges. There are five easy steps that you can follow to improve the air quality within your residence in Arizona.
1. Clean Your Home’s Floors At Least Once a Week
To enhance the indoor air quality in your home, a simple step you can take is to ensure regular cleaning of the floors. When you enter your house from outside, the sand, dust, and pollen clinging to the soles of your shoes will transfer onto the tile and carpet flooring.
However, these particles do not remain on the floor alone. When your home’s central air system activates, it circulates dirt and dust through the air, into the system, and back out into your living space. Consequently, these particles settle not only on the floors but also on all surfaces throughout your house. If you find yourself constantly dusting the furniture, this issue contributes to the need for frequent repetition of this chore.
We advise you to vacuum all of your floors at least once a week, including hard surfaces. While sweeping may help remove larger dirt particles, it mostly just redistributes them and even sends them back into the air.
Even vacuuming, however, does not eliminate all the residual dust, dirt, and sand. After vacuuming hardwood, linoleum, or tile floors, it is recommended to use a mopping gadget equipped with disposable sheets to pick up the remaining residue. This type of mop effectively traps the dirt and allergens in the sheets, allowing you to dispose of them without reintroducing the particles into your home’s air.
2. Increase The Ventilation In Your Home By Opening The Windows
By keeping your windows closed all year long, you are essentially trapping stale air inside your home. This means that the air you and your family breathe is constantly filled with contaminants. To combat this, it is important to open your windows during the coolest times of the day to allow fresh air to circulate. However, be cautious and avoid opening windows without screens as this can invite more dust and dirt into your living space. Once you’re ready to close the windows, make sure to wipe the sill with a damp cloth to remove any dirt that may have entered your home.
If you choose to keep your windows shut throughout the year, you are essentially creating a cycle of stagnant air within your household. This means that you and your loved ones are continuously inhaling the same polluted air. To improve the air quality, it is crucial to open your windows during the coolest parts of the day. However, be mindful not to open windows without screens, as this will only invite more dust and dirt into your living space. When it’s time to close the windows, take a moment to wipe the sill with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt that may have entered your home.
When you decide to keep your windows closed all year round, you inadvertently allow stale air to circulate within your home. This means that the air you and your family breathe remains stagnant and filled with contaminants. To enhance the quality of the air you breathe, it is essential to open your windows during the coolest times of the day. However, it is important to avoid opening windows without screens, as this will only introduce more dust and dirt into your living environment. Once you’re ready to close the windows, take a few moments to wipe the sill with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt that may have entered your home.
3. To Maintain Optimal Air Quality And Efficiency In Your Home, Change Or Clean The Filters Every Month
To improve the indoor air quality in your home, it is important to regularly change or clean the filters. This applies not only to the filters in your HVAC system, but also to other filters in your house that can harbor dust, allergens, mold, mildew, and bacteria.
One filter that often gets overlooked is the dust collector on your dryer. Even if you remove the excess dust before each load, there will still be residue on the filter and within the slot. It is recommended to rinse off the filter once a week and use a crevice tool to vacuum out the slot once a month.
Additionally, don’t forget to clean the filters of your vacuum cleaner. If they are washable, rinse them with warm water at least once a month and allow them to air dry. After emptying the canister or changing the bag, wipe the inside of the vacuum cleaner with a damp rag.
By regularly maintaining and cleaning these filters, you can ensure that your home’s indoor air quality remains at its best.
4. Have Your Ducts Cleaned Once Or Twice Annually
Regularly cleaning your floors and ventilating your home by opening windows may not be enough to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating in your heating and air conditioning system’s ductwork. When air flows through the ducts, it picks up some of this accumulated dirt and spreads it throughout your home.
While you can clean the ducts directly connected to the vents by vacuuming and wiping them, it is impossible to thoroughly clean the entire ductwork on your own. Professional services equipped with the necessary tools are required to ensure a comprehensive cleaning.
We recommend to have your ducts cleaned at least once or twice a year. However, if you or a family member suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, it is advisable to have the ductwork professionally cleaned more frequently.
5. Enhance The Indoor Air Quality By Installing An Air Purification System
To enhance the indoor air quality in your home, you may have already considered placing an Air Purification System in certain rooms. However, it’s important to note that these standalone purifiers only clean the air within a limited distance, depending on the specific model.
If you desire a comprehensive air purification system throughout your entire home, it is we advise you to have an air purification system integrated directly into your HVAC system. Before the air is circulated by the furnace or central air conditioner and passes through the ducts, the purifier effectively eliminates any dust, dirt, or allergens present.
For a more thorough microscopic air cleansing, it is recommended to have a professional install a purifying system that incorporates a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters not only remove dust, sand, and dirt particles from the air, but they are also capable of capturing mold spores, bacteria, and even small amounts of pollen that can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Additionally, you have the option to include a ventilation component along with the air purification system. This component draws fresh air from the outside into the ducts, which is subsequently purified by the air purifier. This combination of ventilation and purification is particularly beneficial if opening windows in your home is challenging or not feasible at all.
Seek Indoor Air Quality Assistance From Our Team Of Experts
Improving the indoor air quality in your home goes beyond what you can achieve independently. It is essential to enlist the support of professionals, like the experienced team at Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling, to ensure the best possible outcome.
During our initial visit, we conducted thorough air quality tests in various rooms of your home to identify the areas most affected. Once we have evaluated the situation, we can present you with a range of effective solutions to eliminate pollutants and enhance indoor air quality. Our offerings include cutting-edge air ventilation and air purification systems, air scrubbing methods, UV lights, and more. Furthermore, we provide exceptional heating, cooling, and ductwork services throughout Glendale, AZ, and its surrounding areas.
If you are tired of struggling with poor indoor air quality that hampers your well-being at home, or interested in getting an air purification system installed, reach out to Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling today. Our team is eager to discuss the available options and assist you in creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
Note:
If you are in need of AC Services, please contact us or schedule a Service Request