Did you know poor air quality is linked to the deaths of around 100,000 people in the United States each year? According to the National Weather Service, it’s a serious issue, with medical costs hitting roughly $150 billion annually to treat related conditions. Those are some pretty staggering numbers. While big initiatives are in motion to tackle pollution, there’s a lot we can do at home to make the air we breathe cleaner and healthier.
Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, and more. Here are five simple and practical steps you can take to improve the air quality inside your Louisville-area home:
1. Control Indoor Humidity
Humidity plays a big role in air quality and comfort. Too much humidity can make your home feel sticky and can encourage mold growth. Too little can lead to dry skin and static electricity. Aim to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
In the summer, constant airflow, variable speed air handlers and air conditioners provide high efficiency humidity control. Consider upgrading to high efficiency equipment to maximize your home comfort. You can also use a dehumidifier to manage excess moisture. In the winter months, a whole-home humidifier ensures that much-needed moisture is added to the dry winter air. Proper ventilation is also key—use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms or consider a whole-house ventilation system for consistent airflow.
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
This one’s a no-brainer. Changing your air filters regularly is the easiest way to boost your home’s air quality. Dirty filters circulate dust, debris, and allergens whenever your HVAC system kicks on. Make sure to swap out those filters according to your HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations, usually the first of every month.
Regularly changing your filters keeps the air cleaner and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, which can save you money on energy bills. It’s a small task with big benefits.
3. Purify Your Air
Consider investing in the HALO-LED Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier by RGF®. This advanced purifier uses REME-LED technology to provide a longer product life and improved energy efficiency. It generates zero ozone and contains no mercury, making it safe and environmentally friendly. The HALO-LED offers proactive air treatment by combining low levels of airborne hydrogen peroxide with ionization to effectively reduce viruses, bacteria, mold spores, dust, dander, and pollen. Its energy-efficient UV-C LED operates with your HVAC system’s blower, ensuring it runs only when needed, and it features a washable hybrid ceramic catalyst for easy maintenance. By installing this,, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and protect your family’s health.
Also, don’t overlook the benefits of houseplants! Adding plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera to your home can significantly enhance indoor air quality. These plants are known for their natural air-purifying abilities. For example, spider plants can absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene, while peace lilies effectively filter out chemicals like benzene and trichloroethylene. Aloe vera not only releases oxygen but also helps to reduce airborne pollutants. Beyond their functional benefits, these plants add a touch of natural beauty and freshness to any room, making them a charming and practical choice for improving your home environment.
4. Get Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
Ever thought about what’s lurking in your air ducts? The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) suggests having your ducts inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed. For some homes, this might only be necessary every five years, but if you have allergy-sensitive residents or pets, you might need to do it more often.
Professional duct cleaning doesn’t just clean out dust and debris. It also gets rid of pet dander, pest droppings, mold, mildew, and pollen. Plus, it can eliminate odors and kill bacteria. Clean ducts mean cleaner air circulating through your home and a fresher living environment.
5. Test for Radon
Radon is a sneaky, odorless, and colorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes, especially in basements and lower levels. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, which makes testing for radon super important.
Radon test kits are easy to use and available at most hardware stores. If your home has high radon levels, mitigation systems are effective and typically involve better ventilation to reduce radon concentration.
Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. For more tips and professional help, contact our team. We’re here to make sure you and your family can breathe easy. Whether it’s air duct cleaning, installing air purifiers, or managing humidity, we’ve got the expertise to help you create a healthier home environment. Let’s get started on making your indoor air as fresh and pure as possible.
