How often do you think about the IAQ of your home? That is—the indoor air quality.
The thing is, according to sources such as WebMD, the quality of your indoor air can be worse than that of outdoors. The reason for this is because homes today have been constructed to be highly energy efficient. They are built with “tight” construction to prevent air loss from your HVAC systems and to prevent drafts inside the home. This is fantastic for homeowners as it helps you save money on your utility bills each month. However, it’s not great for that indoor air quality.
So what can you do about it?
Tackling Your Indoor Air Quality Problems
One of the most common IAQ problems homeowners in our area run into this time of the year, the start of fall and as we progress into winter, is dry air. The ideal relative humidity level in any home is between 30% and 50%. Anything outside of this range can cause not only damage to your property, but problems with your health, too.
Too little humidity in the air makes it easier for illness to pass from family member to family member, for instance. The dryness can also cause wood furnishings, flooring, and even instruments to dry out and crack, costing you money you shouldn’t have to spend. The solution to this particular problem is the professional installation of a whole-home humidifier. But what else can you do to improve your home’s IAQ?
Improve Air Filtration
There is an air filter that comes standard with your air conditioning system. Many homeowners believe it is in place to protect their indoor air quality. This isn’t the case, however. That air filter is there to protect the inside components of your HVAC system from dirt, dust, and other debris that can pummel the system and negatively impact the performance of that HVAC system.
There are more powerful air filtration systems you can purchase, however, that will help improve your indoor air quality, by eliminating allergens and other contaminants from the air. An air filtration system can be installed right into the ductwork of your air conditioner for ultimate convenience.
Take it a Step Further with an Air Purifier
Some homes, depending on the number of contaminants in their surrounding environment and the specific needs of that area, may require just one type of indoor air quality product, while others will require a combination of two or more.
An air purifier is an excellent addition to many homes, helping rid harmful contaminants from the home. There are a few different types of air purifiers on the market, including electronic air purifiers, ionization, and UV air purifiers—the latter of which is typically lesser known among homeowners.
A UV air purifier is different in that it doesn’t actually remove contaminants from the air but prevents them from developing to begin with. Well, a certain type of contaminant—mold, mildew, and bacteria. These grow in the dark, damp, and cool corners of your ductwork, and without a way to eliminate them, circulate into your home’s air when your HVAC system is turned on.