Poor indoor air quality can exaggerate allergies and contribute to illness in your household. If the air quality in your home isn’t great, your heating and air conditioning system might be at fault. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce indoor air pollution without necessarily upgrading your entire HVAC system.

4 Smart Solutions to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

1. Keep It Clean

Your air conditioning system doesn’t function optimally if you don’t keep it properly maintained. In addition to replacing the filter on a regular basis, the accumulated dust and debris inside your ductwork must be removed. For that, you have to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance appointments with an HVAC contractor.

2. Improve Ventilation

Poor indoor air quality often has to do with the lack of proper air circulation. If your ductwork is blocked with debris, these particles will end up in your air. Any holes or gaps in your ventilation system can also lead to the spreading of unwanted debris or moisture in your home. To properly ventilate your home, open your windows for at least five to 10 minutes every day when the weather allows.

3. Control Humidity

Humidity levels in your home should be between 30 and 50% for optimal air quality. Excess humidity causes moisture buildup that leads to mold, which causes respiratory issues. You can use a device to track the humidity levels and turn on a dehumidifier as necessary. It’s also a good idea to open the windows after taking a shower or when you’re cooking to allow the moisture to escape.

4. Get a Plant

Indoor plants supply fresh oxygen to your household for free—you just have to remember to water them. Every plant improves the air in your home, but aloe vera, ficus, peace lily, and gerbera daisy also remove other indoor air chemicals, such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Do you need help improving the air quality of your home? Give the staff at Universal Refrigeration a call at (253) 939-5501. They are the experts on heating and air conditioning and can perform maintenance on HVAC systems of all kinds. This includes heating and furnace repairs. They’re happy to answer your questions about your air conditioning unit over the phone if possible. Their staff is also available 24/7 for emergency services in Auburn, WA. Visit the website to learn more about the services they offer.