Why Indoor Air Quality Matters and 5 steps for indoor air quality improvements

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, many people focus on factors such as cleanliness, nutrition, and exercise. However, one often overlooked aspect of a healthy home is indoor air quality. The air we breathe inside our homes can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even more serious conditions such as asthma.

Identifying Potential Indoor Air Quality Issues

In order to improve the air quality in your home, it’s important to first identify any potential issues. Here is a checklist to help you assess the indoor air quality in your home:

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Check that all vents and exhaust fans in your home are clean and functioning properly. Make sure that air can flow freely throughout your home by keeping doors and windows open when weather permits, or by using fans to circulate the air.

Moisture and Mold

Excess moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Check for any signs of water damage or leaks in your home, and address them promptly. Keep humidity levels in check by using dehumidifiers or air conditioners, especially in areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms and basements.

Cleaning Products and Chemicals

Many common household cleaning products and chemicals contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Consider using natural, non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. When using chemical cleaners, make sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions carefully.

Dust, Allergies or Respiratory Problems

Dust and allergens can accumulate in your home and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regularly dust and vacuum your home to remove these particles. Consider using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap smaller particles. Wash bedding and curtains regularly to reduce the presence of allergens.

Smoking

Smoking indoors can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. If you or someone in your household smokes, consider quitting or designating a specific outdoor area for smoking. Avoid smoking indoors or allowing others to smoke inside your home.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes and pose a serious health risk. Test your home for radon using a radon testing kit, or hire a professional to do so. If high levels of radon are detected, take steps to mitigate the issue and improve indoor air quality.

Air Purification

In addition to addressing potential issues, consider using air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers can help remove pollutants and allergens from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe. Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters for maximum effectiveness.

Breathe cleaner, healthier indoor air and best indoor air quality monitors

Spring brings beautiful flowers and chirping birds, but it also can flood your sinuses with tree pollen, grass seed, and allergens. Simultaneously, the dust, bacteria, and chemical vapors from cleaning can contaminate the air you breathe every day. Take your spring refresh to the next level by ensuring perfect air so you can enjoy peace of mind for the rest of the season.

As you move through your deep cleaning checklist, prioritize healthy indoor air by:

Investing in a whole home air purification system, like the Lennox PureAir S Air Purification System. This unmatched purification system offers hospital-grade air purification to your entire home and removes over 99% of germs and viruses, including COVID-19.
Changing your air filters in your air conditioner and air purification systems. Standard disposable air filters should be changed every 3 months. Use this simple guide to swap out your filter cartridge(s).
Cleaning and sealing windows to keep pollen and bugs out of your home.
Monitoring your air quality using a smart thermostat like the Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat. An upgraded thermostat can help keep your air clean all year round by providing on-demand air quality monitoring. This Smart Air Room Sensor will automatically trigger air cleaning when contaminants like VOCs, allergens, or bacteria reach high levels.
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Keep your HVAC system in mind

Don’t let all your hard work go to waste! Once spring cleaning is complete, your home’s HVAC system takes over the “heavy lifting” of maintaining a healthy living space. A seasonal A/C tune-up will ensure that you stay breezy throughout the warmer months. SCHEDULE NOW

How Do You Spring Clean a HVAC Air Conditioner for a healthy home?

Clean indoor air and a cool summer home starts with spring maintenance. To spring clean your A/C, begin by changing the filter, removing debris from around the unit, cleaning your home’s interior vents, and scheduling a professional tune-up with Eco Friendly Air.

Remove debris and plants from around the AC unit: Head outside with a rake and garden gloves to thoroughly clean around your AC unit. Chop down any weeds, mow the grass, and remove any leaves or debris that have piled up around the unit. Be sure that your A/C is off before doing this. If anything appears stuck inside the unit.
Clean return air vents: Locate the air vents near the floors and upper walls of your home. These vents can quickly get clogged with pet hair, dust, and dirt. Use a clean rag and a little bit of water to wipe off any grime, then sanitize with a cleaning solution. You can also remove the outer cover to wipe off the inside of the vent. The space will instantly look better and you should notice more air movement in the room.
Get ducts cleaned: Ducts are the long piping systems that bring fresh air into your home and remove stale air outside. Contact an HVAC professionals at Eco Friendly Air to unclog and clean the ducts in the spring.

Change your HVAC filter: If you haven’t already, check your HVAC filter and replace it with a fresh, new cartridge. This guide includes everything you need to know for a seamless swap.
Change thermostat batteries: Check your thermostat has enough battery power to properly report and control the indoor climate. Consider upgrading to a S40 Smart Thermostat for an integrated command system that reminds you when you need to change batteries, maintain the unit, or schedule service for your HVAC system.
Test your air conditioning system: Last but not least, turn on your air conditioner on the first warm day of spring. Go outside to check that the unit looks and sounds normal. Check your thermostat to see how quickly the indoor space cools down.
Schedule spring A/C service with Eco Friendly Air if anything seems out of the ordinary.
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Conclusion to improving indoor air quality

Enter the new season with a refreshed mind and clear lungs! A clean living space is scientifically-proven to improve mood and reduce stress.

On the other hand, research shows that a cluttered environment makes it more difficult to focus and be productive. To make matters worse, poor indoor air quality can reduce your energy levels. Upgrade your spring cleaning and breathe clearer with these simple steps.

By following this checklist and taking steps to improve indoor air quality, you can create a healthier home environment for you and your family. Remember, indoor air quality is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, so don’t overlook it!