Homeowners turn to their air conditioners when the summer heat becomes unbearable. Hearing the unit switch on and supplying rooms with cool air is comforting. However, just because the atmosphere becomes more comfortable doesn’t mean it’s completely hygienic. You must plan maintenance to get the most out of your AC for indoor air quality. It’s also wise to adopt other strategies to keep the household safe.
AC’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality
The AC unit‘s primary function is to cool the air indoors, using the interior atmosphere as a base to convert and circulate. HVAC systems also pull air from outside, treating it with fine filters. This can assist with air purification to a certain extent. However, these filters don’t offer 100% efficiency and can miss vital microscopic particles.
While air conditioning offers relief from hot and humid summer weather, it can quickly dry out indoor air. The Venta Humidifier produces a comfortable level of humidity without becoming too humid. Unlike traditional humidifiers, Venta’s revolutionary cold evaporative humidification system ensures that the unit never over-humidifies, giving off a gradual, even moisture to your indoor environment.
AC systems can also be virus-prone since the pathway of the treated air needs to go through transmission channels and fans. Thus, you should rely on other technologies and practices to improve indoor air quality.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Quality
Indoor air quality is integral to the hygiene and comfort of a building’s environment. Luckily, you can enhance it through other means.
1. Clean Your AC Filters
The AC can contribute to poor air quality, so take care of it and turn it into an ally instead. Set a schedule to clean your filters once every two weeks. If you have central air conditioning, check up on all units to provide maintenance to each one.
Carefully remove the filters and vacuum out the dust. You can also run them under a hose to wash them down. Dry them thoroughly before reinstalling them. You can also seek help from professional cleaners.
2. Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are ideal for improving air quality. Their main function is eliminating airborne contaminants in an environment. Remember that not all purifiers are the same in terms of effectiveness. A HEPA filter’s operation depends on the fibers’ tightness and rating. The standard recommendation is MERV 13, though Venta Air Purifiers have a MERV16 rating.
3. Focus on Ventilation
Ventilation can transport stale air outdoors while bringing fresh air into the room. The Department of Energy recommends using two fans and duct systems for balanced ventilation.
There are also natural ways to bring indoor air outside, like opening curtains and windows. Ventilation strategies are critical for moist and pollutant-ridden rooms like the kitchen and bathroom but can be used in all parts of the home.
4. Take Care of Your Pets
Caring for pets is fulfilling, but you should be aware of how they affect indoor air quality. Dogs, cats and other animals with fur release dander that triggers allergies in occupants.
Schedule regular grooming sessions to keep your pets hygienic. Create no-pet zones, like the bedroom, to avoid overexposure. Be diligent with rug cleaning if you have carpets, as they can harbor allergens.
5. Review Home Materials
Air quality improvements begin with prevention. Consider the various materials used in your home. Volatile organic compounds are rampant in building materials, furniture, and paint. VOCs can cause dizziness and skin irritation while impairing breathing.
Explore better and more sustainable alternatives. For instance, copper offers protection against air pollution and improves structure durability. You can also seek VOC-free paints and finishes for their interior instead. Among decorating and building materials, you can opt for items that are not susceptible to moisture damage that fosters mold growth and items that emit no or low odor.
6. Change Cleaning Products
Cleaning products should help clear the air of pollutants. Unfortunately, most chemical solutions can also impact indoor quality. Swap them out for other eco-friendly products instead to safeguard your belongings and household atmosphere all at once.
You can also explore DIY cleaning solutions, such as mixing vinegar and dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle. The solution is acidic enough to remove stains without releasing fumes, though you can dilute it with water. Baking soda on its own is also a good deodorizer.
7. Remove Air Leaks
Air leaks can seem like a great tool for natural ventilation, but they can do more harm than good. Opening the windows for aeration is intentional to keep circulation stable. However, cracks and holes allow air to escape even when you don’t want it to.
Find the source of the air leak and cover it as soon as possible. You can also seal the edges of windows and doors since drafts come and go from those areas.
8. Avoid Indoor Fires
Be conscious of your indoor activities and how they affect air quality. Lighting candles and fireplaces can make the space feel more cozy but also generate pollution. Opt for wickless candles and electric heaters instead.
Avoid smoking, as well. It can harm your health, and the chemicals linger in the air undetected. Remember that loved ones will also be inhaling those pollutants.
9. Check Your Corners
Look for mold growth in the corners of your home. This fungus can emit tiny spores and negatively affect air quality. Exposure can lead to eye and skin irritation and trigger asthma attacks. Call a mold removal specialist to take care of the problem.
Mildew may also grow on organic materials like plants and other home decor. Properly dispose of these items and sanitize your home to keep your space safe.
Go Above and Beyond for Good Air Quality
AC is great for altering temperatures but has minimal impact on improving air quality. Follow these tips to make your household environment healthier. The cleaner your indoor atmosphere is, the better you will feel.
