As the cold weather sets in we find ourselves spending more time locked indoors watching the snowfall from the warmth and comfort of our homes. It’s cozy, it’s warm but do you ever wonder about the quality of the air in your home?
There are many things that can affect the air quality in your home such as the number of people in your home, whether or not you have pets, mold, newly purchased furniture, recent renovations etc… While it is true there are many factors that can affect the air quality in your home, the good news is there are a lot of things you can do to improve the quality of the air that you breathe.
Below are 5 things you can do to improve the air quality in your home.
- Let some fresh air in! Even though it is cold outside, it doesn’t hurt to open up a few windows from time to time get some fresh clean air inside your home (obviously for short periods of time – you don’t want to increase your heating bill).
- Vacuum regularly and keep your vents free and clear of debris. None of the vents in your home should be obstructed by furniture, rugs etc… Give your heating and ventilation system a chance to perform it’s function – circulate air through the home.
- Duct Cleaning. The average home needs to get their ducts cleaned at least once every 3-5 years. The frequency depends on how many people live in your home and whether or not you have pets. If you’ve renovated recently, it might not be a bad idea to have your ducts cleaned as a lot of dust and debris can be deposited in your ducts during and after a renovation.
- Change/clean your filters in your furnace. This is a MUST and should be done regularly to keep your HVAC working properly.
- Consider getting an air purifier or HEPA filter. Some furnaces have this built in, but there are plenty of stand alone units available on the market. When you choose an air purifier, just remember to factor in the maintenance requirements – air purifiers need their filters changed on a regular basis, so, read the fine print before you buy and follow the recommended maintenance practices.
There is also one other thing every homeowner should do, which is to prevent mold issues from occurring. Manage the moisture and humidity levels within your home so that you can avoid mold problems which can have a significant impact on your air quality.