By Kara Masterson
Your home’s air quality can have a big impact on your family’s respiratory health. This is just one of the many reasons why you should ensure that your house isn’t filled with airborne contaminants. Luckily, with a little bit of preventative maintenance and a few upgrades, such as the ones listed below, you can make sure that your home’s air remains fresh and healthy.
Regularly Change the Air Filters
Changing the air filters is one important maintenance task that many homeowners often forget about for months at a time. Unfortunately, your filter is going to be your first line of defense against a wide variety of toxins and irritants, and it must be changed frequently. Every home is different, but you should plan on replacing all of the filters in your home every 30 to 60 days.
Keep Your Home Clean
It should come as no surprise that a clean home is much less likely to have unwanted airborne contaminants. Dust and other debris will eventually get kicked into the air whenever it is allowed to settle on surfaces for extended periods of time. When it comes to air quality, some of the worst offenders are fabric curtains, runners and rugs. You should also make sure that you always use HEPA filters whenever you're vacuuming any surfaces in your home.
Service the HVAC System
Over time, debris can make its way into your HVAC system. Even if you're regularly changing the filter, some contaminants are still going to get in through small pinholes and cracks. As a general rule, you should schedule a service call with your HVAC contractor at least twice a year to inspect and clean the entire system. This will prolong your unit’s life and insure you get the very best results from your system.
Invest in Air Purifiers
There are a few different types of air purifiers, and each option has its own pros and cons. A whole-house air purifier is a highly effective device that is usually attached to the HVAC system, but it can be pricey depending on the size of the home and which model is installed. For those who only want to purify the air in a single room, a smaller air filter might be a better option.
While these few tips and tricks should have a big impact on your indoor air quality, there might still be some contaminants lingering in the air. If you or a family member ever develops unusual respiratory problems, then you must contact a doctor right away to schedule a checkup.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Masterson recommends working with ZAP Cooling and Heating if you're looking for an HVAC contractor.
