The weather’s getting cooler, Troy. How’s your indoor air quality?
The weather’s cooling down here in Michigan. And given how much time we spend indoors, it’s important the air we spend so much of our time breathing isn’t making us sick. Children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma or airborne allergens are especially sensitive to poor air quality. So, here are our top 5 ways to improve air quality in your home so that you and your household can enjoy an illness-free winter.
Clean regularly and thoroughly
Vacuum weekly (more often in high-traffic areas) and make sure your vacuum comes with a HEPA filter. Don’t forget to vacuum upholstery. Dust with a damp cloth to avoid spreading allergens through the air, and don’t neglect hidden or hard-to-reach areas.
Bathe your pet regularly
Your pets will probably spend more time indoors as the weather cools. However, bathing your pet once (or twice!) a week removes dander and outdoor pollutants. Make sure you use a pet-friendly shampoo, and that you use only warm (not hot!) water to avoid leaving your pet with itchy skin. Also wash the bedding and don’t neglect to change the litter box.
Bring in fresh air
If you don’t have allergies, try opening the windows—even in winter! Just 10 minutes will bring in a lot of fresh air. (Remember to close your air vents and turn off the heat first!) If you or someone in your household does have allergies, use HEPA air filters in bedrooms to improve air quality while you sleep. And don’t forget to turn on the fan when you cook to avoid spreading grease and smoke through the house.
Get rid of artificial fresheners
Artificial air fresheners contain chemicals that make your air quality worse, not better. At best, they merely mask poor air quality, and at worst they could be contributing to ill health in your home. Instead, use natural alternatives such as diffusers or vaporizers combined with pure essential oils.
Bring in some house plants
Plants are nature’s air filters, so why not put them to use for you? Apart from being decorative, they can significantly reduce pollutants in your home leading to better air quality. NASA even ran experiments and discovered that English Ivy is the number one air-filtering houseplant.
Get your air ducts cleaned
You’d be surprised at what can build up in your air ducts: mold, mildew, pet dander, dust mites, pollen… Early fall is a great time to do an annual cleaning of your air ducts. Clean out the summer pollen and enjoy the benefits of clean air throughout the indoor months.
To get your air ducts cleaned before the cold weather sets in, contact us today.