But what about the quality of the indoor air that you’re breathing? Indoor air quality in the summer is a critical aspect of our overall health and well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed.
The quality of the air we breathe indoors can have a significant impact on our respiratory system, cognitive function, and overall comfort. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. Recognizing the importance of maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is crucial for creating a safe and comfortable, healthy home. These tips will help you achieve better indoor air quality for the upcoming season and beyond.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Air filters play a vital role in keeping your home’s air clean and comfortable. They help remove harmful pollutants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can cause allergies and other health issues.
But how exactly do air filters work? These products are responsible for trapping these particles as air circulates through your home’s HVAC system. Here are some key points on how air filters work:
- Air filters consist of a pleated material that captures pollutants as air flows through
- Filters are designed to capture different sizes of particles, ranging from large to microscopic
- Air filters are rated based on their MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating, which indicates their effectiveness in capturing particles.
The Importance of Changing Air Filters Regularly
Regularly changing your air filters is crucial to maintaining great indoor airy quality in the summer. Not to mention, it’s essential for keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Dirty air filters can lead to a variety of issues. This includes decreased airflow, reduced energy efficiency, and increased health risks. Here are some reasons why changing your air filters regularly is essential:
- Clean air filters help improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks
- Dirty air filters can cause your HVAC system to work harder, leading to increased energy bills
- Clogged air filters can cause your HVAC system to malfunction and lead to costly repairs.
How Often Should You Change Air Filters for Good Indoor Air Quality?
The frequency at which you should change your air filters depends on several factors, such as the type of filter, the size of your home, and the number of pets in your home. As a general rule, it is recommended to change your air filters every 1-3 months. Here are some tips on when to change your air filters:
- Check your air filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged
- If you have pets, consider changing your air filter more frequently
- When someone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, consider changing your air filter more frequently
- If you live in an area with high levels of pollution, consider changing your air filter more frequently.
Clean Your Ductwork
Are you concerned about indoor air quality in the summer? Your home’s ductwork plays a crucial role in distributing air throughout your home’s HVAC system. Over time, however, dirt, dust, and other pollutants can accumulate in your ductwork. Here are some ways dirty ductwork can affect your indoor air quality:
- Polluted air from your ducts can circulate throughout your home, leading to allergies and respiratory problems
- Dirt and dust in your ducts can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to increased energy bills
- Accumulated debris in your ducts can lead to unpleasant odors in your home.
How Often Should You Get Your Ducts Cleaned?
The frequency of duct cleaning depends on several factors, such as the age of your home, the number of people living in your home, and the presence of pets. As a general rule, it is recommended to get your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.
Top Signs that it’s Time for Duct Cleaning
- You have pets or allergies
- There is a musty or unpleasant odor coming from your vents
- If you’ve recently renovated your home or had any significant construction work done
Summer Carpet Cleaning for Better Indoor Air Quality
Carpets are a common feature in many homes and can add warmth and comfort to a space. However, carpets can also trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants. The worst part is that dirty carpet is a magnet for even more dirt. This can lead to issues such as:
- Dirt and dust can accumulate in carpets, leading to allergies and respiratory problems
- Pollen and other outdoor pollutants can be brought indoors and trapped in carpets
- Bacteria and other microorganisms can thrive in carpet fibers, leading to unpleasant odors and health risks.
Benefits of Regular Carpet Cleaning for Your Home
Regular carpet cleaning can help improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks associated with dirty carpets. Here are some benefits of regular carpet cleaning:
- Improved indoor air quality and reduced health risks
- Reduced allergens and bacteria in your home
- Increased lifespan of your carpets
- Enhanced appearance of your carpets.
How Often Should You Get Your Carpets Cleaned?
The frequency of carpet cleaning depends on several factors, such as the number of people living in your home, the presence of pets, and the level of foot traffic in your home. As a general rule, it is recommended to get your carpets cleaned every 6-12 months. Here are some tips on when to get your carpets cleaned:
- You have pets or allergies
- There is visible dirt or stains on your carpets
- Your carpet has an odor
- You have carpet beetles
While steam cleaning is a popular option, this isn’t the most effective way for carpet cleaning. Steam cleaning uses an incredible amount of water. The good news is that HydraClean Northwest offers a carpet cleaning service that uses 95% less water than steam carpet cleaning. Click here to learn more about our Save Water, Give Water initiative with Water.org.
Improve Indoor Air Quality in the Summer: Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are devices that help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants. This includes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air. Air purifiers work by drawing in air and passing it through a filter or series of filters, which trap harmful particles before releasing clean air back into the room.
How do air purifiers work?
- Air purifiers use different types of filters, such as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters or activated carbon filters, to capture pollutants
- Some air purifiers use UV-C light technology to kill bacteria and viruses
- Air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks associated with poor air quality.
Why Should You try an Air Purifier?
Using an air purifier in your home can provide numerous benefits, such as improved indoor air quality, reduced allergens, and a cleaner living environment. You’ll want one of these products in your home to potentially help with the following:
- Reduced risk of allergies and respiratory problems
- Improved sleep quality and overall health
- Reduced odors and pollutants in your home
- Enhanced protection against viruses and bacteria.
Control Humidity Levels
Is it hot and stuffy in your home? Luckily, we don’t experience super humid summers here in the Pacific Northwest. However, humidity levels in the home are sometimes a different story.
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air and can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and your health. High humidity levels can create a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, and other allergens, while low humidity levels can lead to dry skin and respiratory problems. Here are some ways humidity can affect indoor air quality and your health:
- High humidity levels can lead to the growth of mold and other allergens
- Low humidity levels can cause dry skin, respiratory problems, and increased risk of infections
- Humidity levels can also affect the lifespan of your furniture and household appliances.
What are the Recommended Humidity Levels for Good Indoor Air Quality?
Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is essential for improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks. As a general rule, keep your indoor humidity level between 30-50%. Here are the seasonal guidelines to consider for humidity levels:
- In summer, aim for a humidity level between 30-40%
- During the winter, aim for a humidity level between 40-50%
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your home.
How to Control Humidity Levels in Your Home
Controlling humidity levels in your home can be achieved through several simple methods. Here are some tips for controlling humidity levels in your home:
- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air
- Ensure proper ventilation in your home by using exhaust fans and opening windows when possible
- Fix any leaks or water damage in your home to prevent mold growth
- Use air conditioning in summer to reduce humidity levels.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality this Summer with HydraClean Northwest
Whether you want better indoor air quality to manage allergies or simply for a healthier home, enlist the help of HydraClean Northwest. We provide duct cleaning and carpet cleaning services that can positively impact the quality of your indoor air. Contact us now to get started.