Air pollution comes from vehicle exhaust, smoke, road dust, industrial emissions, pollen, gas-fueled yard equipment, and many other sources. Each day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analyzes the levels of five major air pollutants in various locations around the country and assigns it a number 0 to 500. This measures the Air Quality (AQI) in your area. The higher the AQI, the more pollution in the air.
It is important to keep your indoor air clean, and many people try to stay ahead of the game by regularly changing air filters, sweeping, dusting, and having regular maintenance performed on their HVAC units. Even with these precautions, pollutants can find themselves in your home. Here are some things you can do to keep the air within your home safe:
1. Keep Your Doors and Windows Closed
Make sure your windows and doors that lead outside are well-sealed when closed and try to limit keeping your doors and windows open on days when your AQI is high.
2. Turn on The Air Conditioning
Poor air quality is most common in the summer. The good news is most air conditioners operate by cooling your home’s air inside by recirculating it versus pulling it from outside. And your air conditioning can actually improve your indoor air quality—so it’s a win-win! You stay cool inside your home with healthy air to breathe.
3. Check Your HVAC Filter
If your air filter is dirty or clogged with dust and debris, it will be more difficult for your system to run properly and it will decrease your indoor air quality. Your air filter should be regularly replaced to ensure your unit stays in proper working condition for as long as possible.
On top of the pollutants that seep into your home through open windows and doors, your indoor air quality is also affected by internal sources such as pet dander, dust or mold, and cleaning chemicals. Your home’s indoor air quality affects your health and well-being. Here are some ways Advance Mechanical can help keep the air within your home safe:
1. Have Advance Mechanical Perform Regular Maintenance on Your HVAC Unit
An HVAC unit that is properly cleaned and maintained is the simplest way to protect your home’s air quality from outdoor air pollution. Call to schedule regular maintenance today so you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the air in your home is safe and healthy!
2. Consider an IAQ Package
Advance Mechanical offers several Indoor Air Quality packages, from a plan that focuses on covering allergies, to an overall healthy home that includes every feature we offer to improve your IAQ.
3. Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Another important part of keeping outdoor air from affecting your indoor air is to have your air ducts regularly cleaned. Duct cleaning improves your air quality, reduces dust around your home, eliminates odors, and improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit, while lowering the cost of your electricity bills. With three different options to choose from depending on your needs, duct cleaning is a great way to clear out the dust and grime that outdoor air and other sources have accumulated in your vents. Contact us to schedule yours today.
4. Talk to Us About Other Air Quality Products
We offer plenty of products that can benefit you and your family by reducing germs, eliminating pollutants and contaminants, and removing bacteria that can harm you. From carbon monoxide detectors, special filters, UV Guards, and more – we’ve got everything you need to clean up the quality of your home’s air to improve your health and well-being!
Outdoor air pollution can infiltrate your home and change the quality of the air you and your family are breathing in. It can also be brought in through your HVAC’s ventilation system. Sources including ozone, toxic air pollutants, and different gases from sources like vehicles, industry plants, or even nature may seem like “outside” dangers but are affecting you even indoors.
For more information on indoor air quality products and packages, contact Advance Mechanical today. We can help you choose the solution right for you.