Indoor air isn’t something you think about much — unless you burn dinner! But the air we breathe all day is critical to our overall health. Poor indoor air quality leads to headaches, breathing problems, and other health issues. How are you taking care of the quality of your indoor air?
At 6&Fix, we offer an indoor cleaning system that can be used on a full range of surfaces to render a cleaner and safer home. Meanwhile, here is a list of indoor air quality solutions to get you breathing better air.
- Let nature do the work. Did you know that houseplants naturally clean the air? They can take in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen for both people and animals.
- Change your air filters. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations and change your air filters accordingly. Clean filters do a much better job of removing unwanted particles. Depending on your use, you may change your filters every one or two months.
- Open the windows. Our indoor air is less healthy for us to breathe. Part of the problem is that we’re usually either running our heat or A/C, which means our windows are closed. We know pollen is a problem here in North Carolina, but when you can, try to open your windows.
- Keep your vent system clean. Your vents collect a lot of dust and particles, even if you’re changing the filter. Be sure to have our team clean your ducts once a year.
- Monitor the carbon monoxide. A carbon monoxide alarm is essential to every single home. This very deadly toxin can be created through heating appliances in your home. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can cause severe health problems.
- Clean your floors. Vacuuming is an easy solution to reduce the buildup of harmful allergens that can get into your body. If you have carpets, get them cleaned annually, and mop your other flooring to remove particles.
- Make it a smoke-free home. Smoking tobacco can produce many unwanted chemicals that can seep into your air circulation system as well as furniture, clothing, and carpets.
- Have an annual home checkup. Just as you go to the doctor for a checkup, your home may also need a checkup to have an indoor air quality test. Professionals are trained to identify the problems causing low indoor air quality in order to quickly improve the situation.
- Use an air-purifying system. An air-purifying system is not only for those with bad allergens or asthma but also for those who care about their overall health. Air purification systems do a great job of finding a healthy balance for your indoor air.
- Test for radon. Radon is a gas that seeps from the ground and can easily seep into your respiratory system. You cannot see or smell radon, but it can cause lung cancer.
- Clean your fans. Fans accumulate a lot of dust that can be hard to see, especially ceiling fans. When you turn them on, they will spin that dust into your air. Grab the duster and clean them every couple of weeks or so.
- Use non-toxic products. There is an assortment of non-toxic cleaning products on the market, but it is important to read the labels. Choose “fragrance-free” products, avoid aerosol spray products, and choose scents that are plant-based.
- Be aware of other chemicals. Furniture, cabinets, and other home items can bring unwanted chemicals. Be aware of items that have the potential to release formaldehyde gas, which is often wood-related products. Many of the items you purchase have a more eco-friendly option; those tend to have fewer chemicals.
- Groom your pets. Pets are often associated with allergens due to their fur and dander. By keeping your dogs and cats clean, brushed, and washed, the allergens are less likely to get into the air circulation.
- Freeze pillows. Did you know that your pillows and stuffed toys can hold dust mites? An easy solution is to deep freeze these items in a waterproof bag to kill off these unwanted pests.
- Have a “shoes-off” policy. Shoes are one of the biggest culprits, bringing in dirt and bacteria into your home. Ask everyone to remove their shoes prior to entry to keep that bacteria out.
- Install a hood vent. Proper ventilation is very important when it comes to your kitchen. Although microwaves have a small vent, they do not vent the air to the outdoors. Installing a hood vent for your stove can help remove cooking smells, smoke, and chemicals.
You can never be careful when talking about the overall health of you and your family. Even implementing just a few of the solutions listed can help in creating better quality indoor air for your home.
At 6&Fix, we care about you and your family. Give us a call today to learn more about our indoor cleaning system.