Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Spring
The flowers are blossoming, trees are sprouting new leaves and honeybees are making their rounds collecting nectar. These are sure signs of spring in Orchard Park, New York. Unfortunately, if you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, spring can be a time of considerable suffering. Here are some tips for improving your home’s indoor air quality this spring.
Change Your HVAC Filter
The most important thing you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality this spring is to change your HVAC filter. Most HVAC systems use a disposable air filter. The air filter captures particles, preventing them from getting into your home’s living spaces. The higher the minimum efficiency reported value (MERV) rating of the filter, the smaller the particles it captures. Choosing a high MERV rating allows the filter to capture mold spores, pollen, dander, dust, bacteria and more.
Use an Air Purifier
A whole-home air purification system deactivates bacteria and viruses, reducing your risk of catching a cold or getting a sinus infection. Air purification systems also capture dust, pet dander and mold spores. They work alongside your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in order to clean all of the air in your home.
Schedule Air Duct Cleaning
If your home seems dustier or your allergy or asthma symptoms are worse than usual, now could be a good time to schedule air duct cleaning. Dust, mold spores, pests and dirt can get into your home’s air vents. Every time your heating and air conditioning system cycles, some of those contaminants get blown into your home’s living spaces. Air duct cleaning gets rid of those contaminants. If there is a gap or loose area in your air ducts, sealing is also a good option. Sealing the air ducts reduces the amount of debris that can get into your heating and cooling system.
Get Some Live Plants
Certain types of live plants do a great job of capturing airborne contaminants and cleaning your home’s air. Some good options for a beginner to grow at home include spider plants, rubber plants and devil’s ivy. If you have a greener thumb, you could also try growing peace lily or dwarf date palm. These plants are tolerant of a range of soil and humidity conditions. Spider plants are especially easy to grow, and you can pot the baby plants that grow on the long shoots from the parent plant.
Reduce Exposure
Try to eliminate sources of indoor air pollution. Choose paints, adhesives and cleaning products that do not contain volatile organic compounds. Allow new upholstery, fabric, wood and plastic to off-gas before you bring such items into your home. Avoid using scented candles, wood burners, tobacco or chemical air fresheners in your residence. Use exhaust fans when cooking, cleaning or doing crafts that involve paints or adhesives.
Improve Ventilation
If your home lacks adequate ventilation, indoor air pollutants will stick around. An attic fan could help bring in fresh air. An extra exhaust fan in your laundry room, kitchen or bathroom could also help. When your home’s temperature is comfortable, consider running your HVAC system on the fan-only function. This brings in fresh outdoor air, passes it through the air filter and removes pollutants from within your home.
Schedule a Springtime HVAC Tune-up
Preventive maintenance of your air conditioning system helps you maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment throughout the season. Let Vastola Heating & Cooling in Orchard Park lend a hand. During a tune-up visit, our HVAC technicians will change the air filter for you and show you how to check and change it yourself between maintenance visits. They’ll also clean and drain the condensate line. This eliminates mildew and algae growth and prevents water from backing up into the air handler or condenser unit. Our professionals will clean and lubricate all the moving parts, check electrical connections and run a performance test. This ensures that your air conditioning system will efficiently and effectively cool and dehumidify your home throughout the spring and summer months of the year.
At Vastola Heating & Cooling, our reliable HVAC technicians also offer Aero Seal duct sealing, residential and commercial generator installation and air purification system installation. You can count on us for preventive maintenance plans, emergency repairs and installation of all makes and models of heating and cooling systems. Call us today to learn more about how to improve the indoor air quality in your Orchard Park home or to schedule an appointment for our services.
