Indoor Air Quality Tips

 

 

The following are simple tips to help improve your indoor air quality:

 

Tip #1: Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector. Every year there are hundreds of incidences where families fall victim to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are highly recommended in any home where fuel-burning appliances such as natural gas furnaces, stoves, ovens, and water heaters. An audible alarm signals homeowners if CO levels reach an unsafe level.

 

Tip #2: Have (and use) exhaust fans that are vented outdoors installed in your kitchens and bathrooms, and make sure your gas dryer is vented outdoors.

 

Tip #3: Install a humidifier on your furnace and keep the relative humidity set at 25-40% depending on the outdoor temperature and the humidifier manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Tip #4: Reduce your exposure to household chemicals by following label instructions carefully. Buy only what you need and throw away old or unneeded chemicals responsively (check with your local government for information on disposing of hazardous waste).

 

Tip #5: Increase the amount of outdoor air coming into your home when involved in home improvement activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as paint stripping, painting, sanding, welding, or soldering.

 

Tip #6: Help reduce dust and biological contaminants by using a vacuum cleaner with strong suction, and a rotating beater brush to loosen ground-in dirt at least once a week. Thoroughly vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses at least once a month. Vacuums that incorporate two-ply bags with HEPA filters ensure the dirt stays in the bag. Hard surface coverings on floors, windows, and furniture will help reduce accumulation of dust.

Tip #7: We love our pets, but if you suffer from allergies pet dander may aggravate them. Pet dander clings to carpet, furniture, and bedding. If you must keep your pet indoors proper grooming will help. Limit access to beds, and furniture. Frequent vacuuming of floor coverings and furnishings will help reduce the build up of dander.

Tip #8: Use hypoallergenic dust covers on your mattress and pillows to reduce exposure to dust mites and other biological contaminants. Wash bedding once a week at the highest temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips #9: Upgrade your filtration system. The most common type of replacement furnace filter is the inexpensive paper or fiberglass filter that slides into your heating and air conditioning ductwork. A fiberglass air filter will only trap enough of the larger particulate out of the air to keep your heating and air conditioning equipment from clogging up. They do very little to increase the quality of your indoor air. Electrostatic furnace filters are much more effective in removing allergens and other harmful pollutants from all of your indoor air. Electronic Air Cleaners remove up to 99% of ALL airborne particles from your indoor air reducing the likelihood of allergy and respiratory problems. And UV Cleansers are excellent problem solvers in areas where bacteria or biological contaminants are a concern. JM Mechanical can help you determine the best solutions for your family and your home. Click here for more information.

Tip #10: The American Lung Association has cited that more than 70% of Americans have forced or central heating, but 50% of those heaters never get a regular filter change. Alarmingly, 10% have never had a filter replacement at all. It is important to have your furnace and air conditioner inspected annually—and to replace or clean your filter every month or as often as necessary. CLICK HERE for more information about the added benefits and savings of our Planned Maintenance Agreement.

 

For more TIPS on how you can begin improving your indoor air quality today please visit:

 

American Lung Association www.lungusa.org
Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/airclean.htm
Green Choices www.greenchoices.utah.gov

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