Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to Improve Your Air Quality

Air pollutants are one of the largest health risks for American adults, but many don’t realize that the problems are bigger indoors than out. In fact, because indoor air isn’t naturally refreshed and it has additional pollutants such as cleaning chemicals and cooking fumes, it may be two to five times as polluted as outdoor air. Controlling indoor air pollution is important to maintain a healthy environment.

How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

• Change the air filter in your HVAC system once a month. A clogged filter impacts airflow through your home, making it less likely that particulate pollution will be filtered out. Almost half of Americans regularly neglect their air filters.
• Make sure that any combustion appliances have adequate ventilation. This includes the gas stove, furnace, water heater and fireplaces. Fireplaces especially can release volatile organic compounds into your air, and all combustion can produce carbon monoxide.
• Opt for cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals or heavy scents. These chemicals can linger in your air and are easily inhaled. On average, you take about 15 breaths every minute, offering several opportunities to draw fumes into your lungs.
• Ventilate your home. Exhausting stale air and bringing in clean outdoor air can help keep your home healthy. You may want to invest in an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) so you’re not bringing in the outdoor temperature with the outdoor air.
• Supplement your HVAC air filter with an air cleaner. These can clean larger volumes of air and are often more effective at managing pollutants. You can also purchase air cleaners specifically geared to certain types of indoor air pollution. For example, a HEPA filter can catch airborne viruses, while UV lights sterilize mold, mildew and fungal spores.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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