Low indoor air quality can make your family vulnerable to eye irritation, headaches, fatigue, asthma, and allergy symptoms. If your HVAC system has not received regular cleaning and maintenance, dirt and dust can also shorten your system’s life and increase your bills. There is no need to take drastic measures to have excellent indoor quality. You need to follow best practices to keep your home clean and healthy.
Clean your HVAC system
Your system needs cleaning at least twice per week to keep pollutants at bay. If you come inside, be sure to take your shoes off to prevent pollen or dirt from tracking in. When cleaning your HVAC system, you should include the air registers. With the use of a damp cloth, wipe the ceiling fans and light fixtures as well.
Check your outdoor unit if it is also covered with dust, dirt, grass clippings or leaves. You can use a garden hose to rinse the dirt off. Avoid using a power washer as it can damage your unit. You should inspect the area near your unit, making sure that there is no vegetation growing. Install an awning as it can also protect your system by adding extra shade.
Do not use volatile organic compounds.
Volatile organic compounds like benzene, acetone, xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde can cause health problems as they evaporate at room temperature. They can usually be found in paints, cleaners, and fragrances.
If you cannot avoid using commercial cleaners, be sure the room is well ventilated. You can also switch to natural products. For air fresheners, using essential oils, potpourri, cinnamon sticks or cloves will deodorize your room, giving it a fresh and clean smell. Substitute baking soda mixed with water for chemical-based cleaners.
For furniture polish, mixing lemon juice and olive oil are more natural options. If you have products that contain volatile organic compounds, make sure you store them in a shed or garage, so they do not affect your home’s indoor air. These substances are also flammable and should be kept away from living areas to reduce the risk of fire.
Install an air purifier
By installing air cleaners or air purifiers, you will be able to get rid of bad smells and contaminants from your indoor air. Air purifiers also reduce dust accumulation. There are portable models that you can use in one or two rooms.
You can also purchase a whole-home version, which should be installed by a professional. If you want to make sure that you have the best indoor air quality, make it a point to change the air filter of your HVAC system once a month. By adding a UV air purifier, you can also reduce viruses and bacteria, which are the causes of health problems.
This type of air purifier has a way of blocking the microorganisms with the use of UVC light. UV lights are designed to fit inside your outdoor unit or ductwork. The bulb of a UV air purifier must be replaced by a professional HVAC technician once every few years.
Maintain your HVAC system
Indoor air quality problems can be due to the dirt and dust that have accumulated inside your air conditioner. Without calling a professional to inspect your unit at least once a year, the bad smells and dust will not go away.
An HVAC professional will check your air registers and ductwork as part of the inspection. The HVAC technician will wipe the dust and dirt away from these components. They will also check the unit for any leaks or gaps that can be the reason for your high energy bill. There can be contaminants in your HVAC system that needs to be removed appropriately.
With regular cleaning, you can get away with expensive repairs and keep your HVAC system in great shape. Not maintaining your air conditioner can affect your comfort. Your ductwork can also become breeding ground for rats, cockroaches, and silverfish.
Keeping your home clean and your family healthy requires a holistic approach. By ensuring that your family inhales excellent indoor air quality, you will be able to keep illnesses at bay. Be sure to call a professional for maintaining your HVAC system. AC repair Dallas companies will make sure that your air conditioner will work efficiently so you will not worry about dirt, dust, and contaminants invading your home.
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