Five Effective Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can seriously affect your family’s health. It contributes to seasonal allergies, and asthma attacks, and even increases the risks of cancer and heart disease. Households need to find affordable ways to improve indoor air quality to mitigate the risks of poor indoor air quality to their health.

Indoor air quality services in Gaithersburg don’t have to be costly or difficult. Use these tips to identify and fix common problems that cause poor indoor air quality and learn why it is a regional challenge.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution includes airborne irritants at various levels in most Maryland homes. Airborne contaminants include a range of natural and artificial particulates, including:

Dust mites
Formaldehyde
Mold and mildew
Pet dander
Pollen
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

These compounds are often found in residential environments; however, they begin to pose risks when the concentration of irritants exceeds acceptable thresholds. Indoor air contaminants are typically quantified in parts per million (ppm), which reflects the level of these irritants within the home.

The Root Causes Indoor Air Pollution

Organic and chemical indoor air pollutants are caused by different sources inside and outside your home. The concentration of these airborne particulates ultimately impacts the severity of symptoms, and it’s important to remember that concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of a new source of pollution.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

It might surprise you that common household products are a common source of chemical-based indoor air pollutants. Paint, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture are common sources of VOCs.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can enter buildings from the ground. Radon is one of the leading causes of cancer in the US.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The most common sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Biological sources of indoor air pollution include pets (dander and hair), dust mites, and dead skin.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Air quality conditions outside can also impact your home. Homes near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or wildfire exposure are at an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution can enter your home through small cracks or open windows and may be difficult to remove unless your home has adequate ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are also outdoor airborne irritants that impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. Addressing poor indoor air quality offers immediate and long-term health benefits. Here are five ways to breathe better quickly!

1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products and restrict the use of paints and solvents to the outdoors. If you must paint inside, keep the windows open and use fans to circulate air. When you're in the market for furniture, look for furniture that does not have VOCs. Keep your home and its contents irritant-free through regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the best (and easiest) ways to tackle biological sources of airborne irritants!

2. Increase ventilation and airflow.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

3. Maintain your HVAC system.

A well-maintained HVAC system is your best defense against poor indoor air quality in the Gaithersburg area. In addition to regular maintenance, replace your air filter every 1-3 months. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, may need to replace their filters more often.

4. Control humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may exacerbate allergy symptoms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50% to maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Invest in an air purifier.

Portable and whole-home air purifiers are sound investments, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can greatly reduce airborne contaminants, especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows.

We’re Gaithersburg’s Indoor Air Quality Pros!

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is your trusted partner for home services in Washington, DC, Bethesda, and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians are skilled at identifying opportunities to improve indoor air quality in your home and keep your HVAC system running smoothly for years to come!