Air quality is more important than most homeowners realize. Indoor air pollution is on the rise as homes get more efficient and are built with tighter seals. Opening a window for some fresh air sometimes feels like an old-fashioned way to deal with this problem, but it’s on the right track. From air filtration systems to humidifiers, there are a multitude of systems that can work to improve the quality of indoor air.
However, homeowners have proven time and time again that they don’t want to spend the money on an IAQ unit unless they absolutely have to, so in this post we’re going to focus on ways to help the quality of air without spending the money on a new IAQ system. Keep in mind that no DIY solution is ever going to be as powerful and efficient as working with Yonkers HVAC company to install some filtration or humidification technology.
Solutions in the Meantime
We get it, purchasing an air filtration system or a whole-house humidifier is a lot of money. While saving up to be able to afford great air quality, there are some solutions that can help mitigate the problems caused by poor IAQ.
- Windows. It’s old fashioned, sure, but keeping windows open can prevent locking irritants and germs into specific rooms. Creating a cross draft by opening windows on opposite sides of the house or room can filter the air even better and give some fresh air when needed. This might not be the best idea during days with more extreme temperatures, but it can be beneficial if even for a short period of time.
- Vacuum More Often. Vacuuming doesn’t just make a home look more aesthetically pleasing, it actually consumes many germs and irritants that would otherwise be floating in the air. A vacuum can function as a miniature air filter for the rooms with the poorest air quality. A HEPA-certified vacuum is even better!
- Regularly Change HVAC Filters. While this isn’t actually meant to keep indoor air at a higher quality, it does so by default. These filters are meant to keep dust and debris from entering into an air conditioner or heater, but the same filter can keep this dust and debris from entering the home as well. So it definitely helps!
- Regularly Using the Kitchen Exhaust Fan. The exhaust fan in a kitchen is a great way to filter the worst particles in the air. Smoke and debris from the oven and stove can often linger for long periods of time, which is why the kitchen or hood filter can efficiently suck these particles out of the air and deposit them outdoors.
- Minimize the Use of Candles, Wood Burning, and Smoking. We’re sorry to break this news, but that cozy fireplace also contributes to a hefty amount of pollutants in the air. Wood burning stoves, candles, and cigarettes can deposit massive amounts of smoke and debris into a house.
We’d like to recommend every home be fitted with an air filtration system, but it’s not always the case. Hopefully, these few solutions can help clear the air for a few months in the meantime.
Looking to purchase an air filtration system? Contact Yost & Campbell Heating, Cooling & Generators today!