How Can Denver Homeowners Improve Their Indoor Air Quality?
When you think about air quality, it’s likely that your thoughts immediately go to outdoor pollution. While there are certainly issues with the air quality outdoors, it’s important to turn your air quality concerns inward, as well. It may not seem like it, but the air quality in your home could be even worse than it is outdoors if you’re not careful. Here are a few ways you can improve your indoor air quality at home.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected Regularly
Investing in HVAC inspections and maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your indoor air quality improves. Without proper maintenance and professional inspections, your HVAC system might be circulating dirt, dust, and bacteria around your home for you and your family to breathe in. A well-maintained HVAC system will filter out most of these harmful elements and maintain good air quality within your home. Without maintenance on a regular basis, your HVAC system may also not be working as efficiently to circulate clean air throughout your home. And when your HVAC system works harder, you’re using more energy and forcing even more stale air through your living space. Under normal circumstances, your HVAC system should be inspected at least twice annually — once in the spring and once again in the fall. Before you book a maintenance appointment with any HVAC provider, remember that advanced training is required before someone can service natural gas appliances. Make sure you’re checking your HVAC provider’s certifications before giving them a call!
Dust and Vacuum Often
Dust and dirt have a way of accumulating on almost everything in what can seem like the blink of an eye. While a little bit of dust on your shelves might not seem like a big deal, letting it accumulate without cleaning can lead to a decrease in air quality and an increase in the spread of germs. While almost 80% of illness-causing germs are spread via the hands, it’s possible that environmental contamination can also happen. In order to keep the air quality high in your home, it’s important to make an effort to dust and vacuum regularly. Even if you only do these household tasks once every week, you just might notice an improvement in the air quality in your home. Maybe your family members are sneezing less or allergies aren’t as bad as they were a few months ago. This simple step can really make a difference at home!
Avoid Harsh Chemicals Whenever Possible
Cleaning products might seem like a great way to keep your home looking spotless, but the truth is that many of them house harsh chemicals that can affect your home’s air quality. Air fresheners, surface-cleaning products, and even scented disinfectants often rely on chemical fragrances to mask odors. While they might make your home smell nice, the aerosolized chemical particles can linger in the air and cause breathing issues for you and your family. Instead of continuing to invest in harsh chemical cleaners, consider switching to a more eco-friendly cleaning method. Lemon and baking soda is a great alternative for beginners. It’s also possible to make a citrus-based cleaning spray with a few simple ingredients.
Keeping the air inside your home safe for your family might seem like a tall order, but the reality is that a few simple tasks can make a drastic improvement. With one or two small changes, you’ll be breathing easy in no time at all.
For more information on Denver’s clean air initiatives and indoor air quality, please visit Denvergov.org.
