During summer, heat and humidity rise, which causes many homeowners to retreat inside for some relief. However, it may not be as comfortable if dust, allergens, and ambient moisture are in the air. To make it a little easier to breathe at home this summer, perform some HVAC maintenance to help your AC operate at full capacity and filter out problematic elements. Below are a few ways to improve your indoor air quality during the hot weather.

How to Boost Indoor Air Quality This Summer

1. Invite Nature Indoors

Houseplants not only add a beautiful touch to your home, but they also help clean the air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, so more clean air will be introduced into your home. They also act as dehumidifiers, which is perfect for those hot and humid months.

2. Maintain Your Vents

When moisture lives in the vents, it can lead to mold growth. Clean your vents by vacuuming the grille and then wiping the surface down with a microfiber cloth. If you choose to use cleaners to kill germs and potential mold spores, allow the surfaces to dry before re-installing them. Have HVAC maintenance scheduled early in the season to ensure your vents are in top shape.

3. Clean Your Air Conditioners

Your AC also contributes to the indoor air quality as the filters help to keep dust, pollutants and other airborne irritants from entering your home. However, when your filters become dirty and aren’t regularly cleaned, they can’t catch these particles. The AC would have to work harder to push cool air through, band doing so means your unit is pushing out the dust and pollutants along with it. 

4. Invest in a Dehumidifier

Although plants can help, you may not have the space to have as many plants as needed to dehumidify your home. Humidity leads to mold and mildew growth, and it encourages pest infestation. Damp air from outside can also raise your home’s humidity level considerably, even if the air is filtered through the vents. Run your dehumidifier a few hours per day, and fix any cracks or gaps in your home’s insulation. Dehumidifiers can also be integrated into your heating and cooling system during an HVAC maintenance appointment.

To ensure the air quality in your home this summer, contact Rapids Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. They’ve been the most trusted HVAC maintenance company since 1915 serving families in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Whether you need air conditioner maintenance or air conditioner installation, they’ll be here for you. Call (715) 421-5555 to schedule a free estimate, and visit them online.