6 Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air

July 26, 2017

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality continues to be a major threat to public health. In fact, contrary to what most homeowner assume, the air inside your home is likely two to five times more polluted than the air outside. To improve your indoor air quality immediately, follow these six tips.

Place These Plants Around Your Home

NASA conducted a study in 1989 to determine which plants were best at cleaning indoor air. To help clean the air inside your home, it’s recommended that you place one of the following plants* per 100 square feet of space.

Areca palm
Boston fern
Spider plant

*The three houseplants mentioned are non-toxic and safe for your furry friends.

Stop Using Highly Toxic VOCs

Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from many common liquids and solids found inside your home, including aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants. These VOCs include a variety of chemicals, and some of them can lead to short- or long-term adverse health effects such as headaches, liver damage and even cancer.

Don’t Smoke Inside Your Home

Secondhand smoke carries more than 7,000 substances. If you smoke indoors or in your car, you subject your family and pets to those cancer-causing chemicals. Although quitting is the best option, smoke outside if you must.

Make Sure Your Home Has a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that can endanger your loved ones without you knowing. To err on the side of caution, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and test it monthly to ensure it’s operational.

Prevent Mold Growth by Controlling Moisture

Here are three steps to prevent mold growth by controlling moisture in your home.

Clean indoor leaks or spills within 48 hours.
Keep AC drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.
Aim for a relative indoor humidity* between 30 and 50 percent.

*A high-quality dehumidifier can help you reach this goal in a hot and humid climate like Sunrise, Florida.

Use Your Home’s Ventilation System

Proper ventilation, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms, is also an important part of keeping moisture under control and improving IAQ. Remember to run exhaust fans when you’re cooking or taking a hot shower. If you haven’t already, consider investing in a whole-house ventilation solution, which will exhaust stale air and replace it with fresh air.

For more information about the services and products we offer that will help improve your indoor air quality in Sunrise, Florida, or if you’d like to schedule duct cleaning today, check out our IAQ page or contact HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service at (954) 246-4141. We look forward to helping you breathe easier and live a healthier life.