Sealing off your home from drafts and any other outdoor air is a great way to conserve energy. At the same time, you want to make sure you’re also protecting the air quality in your home that you sealed off. Here are a few helpful tips to improve the indoor air quality and cut down bacteria in your home.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Your furnace filter helps block out any dust or particles from getting into your vents or furnace parts. A filthy air filter won’t do you or your furnace any good. It is a good idea to change your filter every 30-90 days depending on the exact filter you use. Choose a higher quality filter if you are concerned about allergies, or have children and pets.
Use a Air Purifier
Air purifiers are another great way to remove pollutants from your home. To help choose the best one for your home, look on the back of the box for its cleaning speed and range. The higher the numbers the better. Make sure the air purifier can cover the size of the room you have it in and always keep the filters clean by changing them regularly.
Clean Carpeting, Shelving, and Fabrics in Your Home
Allergens settle easily on the fabrics, shelves, and carpet in your home. Because of this, it is a good idea to clean and maintain these areas regularly. Wash your fabrics and bedding once a week and vacuum all carpets and furniture routinely to minimize pet dander, dust, and other allergens.
Run Your Exhaust Fans
Run the exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathrooms. This can help ventilate VOC’s that can build up when cooking, cleaning, or doing anything that might emit fumes into the air. It can also help vent moisture that may cause mold or mildew to grow.
Use a Radon Test Kit
Radon gas can be harmful to your lungs and it is a good idea to test if your home has a leak. You can use a DIY kit to test the levels in your home. If you notice you do have hazardous levels, contact a professional Radon mitigation specialist to get it resolved.