Research done by the NHAPS shows that an average human in the US spends approximately 87% of their time behind closed doors. Due to the current air pollution density, you want to be sure about the quality of the air you take in.
The question of how to improve indoor air quality is a year-round question, especially with the increasing health risks like asthma caused by impure air. Some resolve to use a chemicalized air conditioner to improve the air quality, but their efforts seem detrimental.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to make sure the air you breathe is of good quality. No need for an air conditioner. Here is a guide on air conditioner tips for better air quality at home.
Use House Plants
Plants not only clean carbon dioxide out of the air but also other dangerous microorganisms. Plants reduce the effects caused by a host of toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Therefore, the use of indoor plants is a starter in ensuring good air quality at home.
What plants work best as air conditioners? Plants with significant and broad leaves are the best for air conditioning because they dry the surrounding air better than small leaves.
It’s; therefore, it’s good to have one or two big leafed plants at your home to ensure proper air quality. Boston fern, Golden pothos, spider plants, rubber trees, and a lot of other plants are perfect for air conditioning.
Check out here to know more about heating and cooling FrankHMonroe
Clean the Air Ducts
It’s only logical that some months or a few years after the first use, the air duct will become dirty. Regular checking of the air ducts is vital for air conditioning in your home. Check for possible growth of molds, rodents, insects, other big objects, or just the presence of dust.
If you notice things not in place in the duct, it’s time to call professional duct cleaners.
Replace The HVAC Filter
The disposable filters of the HVAC systems are supposed to be regularly cleaned and maintained. The best length for cleaning air filters is between a month and six months, depending on the quality of the HVAC filters. So how do you change the air filters?
Here are a few steps:
- Turn your HVAC system off
- Look at the ductwork to see the filter; you’ll notice that filters are usually covered with warranty cards
- Check the dimensions of the filters
- Buy the exact size of the filters
- Remove the old filter and insert the new filter
You can do online research about the best filter, check the customer reviews, and install that particular filter. The filters made from layers of glass pleated into paper-like materials are the best.
They trap more than 99% of pollen, dust, and smoke, assuring you the best air conditions. When cleaning or replacing the HVAC filters, remember to clean other filters like the ones in clothes driers, kitchen vents, and vacuum cleaners.
Keep All Your House Fabric Clean
Dust mites mainly cause poor-quality air. Dust mites stick to the fabric in your home, thus the need to keep all the fabric in your house extra clean. Bedsheets, curtains, sofa set sheets, mats, cushions, and pillows are the primary carriers of dust mites.
Allowing your pets to run around the sofas and bed may lead to much hair in the fabrics. For your sofas, buy slipcovers, which are easy to do regular cleaning and maintenance.
The rags and floor mats in a home also collect dust, therefore regularly washing them will ensure dust-free air in your home.
Minimize The Use of Extreme Chemicals At Your Home
Cleaning chemicals are, at times, the source of air impurities in the house.
Those contain processed unfriendly chemicals; they bring an irritating smell with them. Therefore to ensure adequate air conditioning consider your choice of the detergents and where you apply them.
Use products that come from natural sources. When using natural detergents, use the ones that are insect repellant. If you have to use highly chemicalized detergents, consider increasing the ventilation of your room by opening the windows.
The above will ensure fast air purification after the irritating scents.
Improved Ventilation
Ventilation includes increasing airflow in your house and is the most natural air conditioning method. Opening wide, your windows and other air sources allow for proper air circulation from your house. In this method, the air itself acts like an air conditioner.
It brings a balance of air in and out of your home.
However, if you live in a highly-populated or highly urbanized area, you should reconsider opening your windows. In such areas, the air outside the home is a mixture of tens of chemicals from industrial plants and cars, thus compromised and unhealthy.
Opening windows are commonly applicable in places with more trees, forested areas, and small populations.
Regular Maintenance of HVAC Systems
The HVAC systems circulate all the air in our homes; therefore, they need a proper inspection. Just like the air duct, when you don’t regularly maintain the HVAC systems, they can grow molds and accumulate much dust.
Also, if you neglect the check HVAC systems, you may start noticing water leaks, leaks from harmful refrigerants, or a system that, instead of circulating air, is circulating contaminants.
Cleaning the coin in the air conditioner might seem like a hard task, but it’s imperative to improve the air quality of the house. Cleaning the air conditioner’s coil will dramatically improve the HVAC system’s operation, thus improving air quality.
Make Good Use of The Cooking Vents
Many indoor contaminants come from the cooking areas, with the kitchen stoves and electric burner producing carbon monoxide. So when cooking, make sure to turn on your cooking vents to allow for contaminated hot air to move out.
Seek HVAC assistance from an Expert
As you have seen, there are many DIY steps you can take to better the air quality in your home. However, without a good air conditioner, you may not achieve full results.
This also applies in the case of broken or non-functioning HVAC systems. In such cases, you’re advised to allow a professional HVAC technician to handle the situation, so that your air quality can always be top-notch.