Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can have immediate and long-term effects on your family’s health. From seasonal allergies and asthma attacks to elevated cancer and heart disease risks, households have every reason to seek cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

Luckily, tackling polluted indoor air doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming! Follow these tips for identifying and mitigating common causes. And if you need more help, we’re always ready to help with indoor air quality services from FAST of Florida.

Easy Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improving indoor air quality requires a considered, holistic approach, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five ways Clearwater families can breathe better!

1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products and restrict the use of paints and solvents to the outdoors. If you must paint inside, always keep the windows open and use fans to keep air circulating. When you're in the market for furniture, look for furniture that does not have VOCs. Keep your home and its contents clean through regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the best (and easiest) ways to tackle biological sources of airborne irritants!

2. Increase ventilation and airflow.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew and a kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Proper ventilation is an important part of healthy indoor air quality!

3. Take care of your HVAC system.

A well-maintained HVAC system is your best defense against poor indoor air quality. In addition to regular maintenance, replace your air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re unsure how often to swap out your filter, consult your system’s owner’s manual. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often or seek more advanced air filtration systems.

4. Monitor indoor humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may make allergy symptoms more severe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50% to maintain healthy indoor quality.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Use an air purifier.

Especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, portable and whole-home air purifiers are a sound investment. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can greatly reduce airborne contaminates, especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows.

Read more: A Guide to Smart Home Technology

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution encompasses airborne irritants that may be present in a household. The airborne contaminants consist of both natural and chemical particulates, which include:

• Dust mites
• Formaldehyde
• Mold and mildew
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

While these compounds are found in most homes, they pose significant health risks when their concentrations exceed acceptable thresholds. In general, indoor air contaminants are quantified in parts per million (ppm), which reflects the concentration of irritants within the living environment.

Common Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

Organic and chemical indoor air pollutants are caused by different sources inside your home and out. The concentration of these airborne particulates ultimately impacts the severity of symptoms, and it’s important to remember that concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of a new source of pollution.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

It might surprise you to learn that common household products are a common source of chemical-based indoor air pollutants. Paint, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture are common sources of VOCs.

Another chemical, radon, is a natural radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The most common sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Biological indoor air pollution sources include pets (dander and hair), dust mites, and, yes, your dead skin.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Outdoor air quality can impact your home, too. Households near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or wildfires face an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution gets inside your home through small cracks or open windows and may be difficult to remove without adequate ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are also outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

Expert Indoor Air Quality Services in Clearwater

Fast of Florida is your trusted partner for all home service needs in the Clearwater, FL, area. Our experienced technicians will identify the best ways to improve your home's IAQ and address ventilation or airflow issues. Contact us online or call 727-273-7810 to get started today!