When most people hear the term “pollution,” they think of the outdoor environment first – such as the atmosphere and oceans. But the inside of your home can also be polluted, and its effects are much more immediate. This spring, Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling urges their Broken Arrow, Oklahoma customers to schedule all necessary HVAC repairs before the cooling season reaches full swing, and to try these other tips for ensuring their homes are safe to breathe in:

• Change Air Filters Monthly: The easiest thing way to stop the circulation of dust and harmful contaminants is to change your air filters every month, especially during peak cooling season. This is especially important if you have a large household and/or pets.

• Clean Your Air Ducts: If you have central air, ensure your ductwork is cleaned at least once a year in addition to scheduling maintenance for your heating and cooling equipment. Moisture frequently collects in ductwork, which inevitably leads to mold and mildew growth. Don’t let it circulate – clean it before it spreads even further!

• Dust the Blinds: Next time you’re cleaning, don’t forget to look up and dust those blinds, windowsills, and shelving. These notorious dust collectors are easy to forget about because we don’t usually think of them as “dirty,” but they contribute to indoor air quality.

• Re-Grout the Bathroom: Mold growth in the bathroom is almost impossible to stop completely, which is why many people make it a point to re-grout their tubs and showers once a year. This spring, consider spending an afternoon removing stained grout and replacing it with a fresh layer.

• Buy Houseplants: This is more of a long-term tip, but a few well-placed houseplants – such as a peace lilly – will improve your indoor air quality and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. Benzene (found in some plastics, fabrics, pesticides and cigarette smoke) and formaldehyde (found in some cosmetics, dish detergent, fabric softener and carpet cleaner)  are examples of common indoor VOCs that plants help eliminate.

Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling has provided residential and commercial HVAC repair to the Tulsa Metro area for almost four decades. For more information, or to request a quote, give them a call at (918) 455-5993 or visit their website.