April 29-May 3 is Air Quality Awareness Week! Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this week-long event highlights the issues affecting outdoor air quality. In our area, the primary concerns include ozone, particle and diesel pollution. The EPA also tells us indoor air can be significantly more polluted than most industrialized cities, so taking steps to improve air quality in your home is a good way to “celebrate” the week.

How to Boost Your Indoor Air Quality

Here are some strategies you can implement to improve the quality of your indoor air:

• Limit chemical exposure. Many common household products release harmful chemicals that erode air quality. To limit your exposure, switch to using “green” cleaning supplies, choose low-VOC or “eco-friendly” products and materials whenever possible, and don’t store paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, fuels, adhesives and pesticides inside the house.
• Keep humidity under control. Excess humidity can promote the growth of mold, mildew and dust mite populations. To keep it in check, run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove moisture from cooking, showering and bathing. If your cooling system isn’t removing airborne moisture effectively, have your HVAC pro assess the equipment and ask about beneficial options like adding a dehumidifier.
• Clean your air supply. The filter in your HVAC system is designed to trap larger particles so they don’t harm sensitive components, but it doesn’t have much effect on air quality. However, you can have an air purifier unit added to the HVAC system that can remove tiny particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and even harmful chemical vapors. To prevent possible adverse effects on HVAC airflow, an experienced technician should always install this kind of equipment.
• Take care of your ductwork. Your HVAC ductwork circulates and distributes your conditioned air. If the ducts are poor condition, damaged, leaky or dirty inside, your indoor air quality can suffer. To ensure a healthy air supply, have your ductwork inspected to determine if it needs to be replaced.

If you’re prioritizing air quality awareness in your Eastern North Carolina home and need personalized improvement solutions, contact us today at Jackson & Sons.