Poor indoor air quality can produce a stale or musty atmosphere in your home and increase allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and mold. This can cause health issues, ranging from runny noses and watery eyes to breathing problems and respiratory illnesses. For the health and safety of the household, every homeowner should work to make their indoor air cleaner. Here are a few recommendations to help you in this process.

Do:

Vacuum regularly.

Routinely vacuum floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. These are special mechanical filters designed to trap small air particles, including dust, pollen, and cigarette smoke. Regular vacuuming ensures that these particles don’t become airborne. Ideally, you should vacuum a few times per week. If you have pets or someone in the home with allergies or asthma, you may need to vacuum more often to keep the air cleaner and more breathable.

Keep humidity low.

Higher humidity levels increase potential for allergens and mold. Keep humidity levels at 25 percent in the summer and 50 percent in the winter. You can check this by purchasing a hygrometer or indoor humidity monitor. To maintain healthy levels, use a dehumidifier, turn on the exhaust fan when cooking and the overhead fan when showering, and open your windows periodically to encourage better air circulation.

Don't:

Smoke indoors.

Cigarette smoke produces air pollution ten times greater than diesel car exhaust. Imagine that level of smoke trapped within the interior of your home. The adverse health effects of smoking—and of secondhand smoke—are well-documented, so refrain from smoking indoors.

Use heavily scented products.

Chemical scents are common ingredients in a wide range of household products, including laundry detergent, floor cleaners, and air fresheners like sprays and candles. While it's understandable to assume these products make the air cleaner and more pleasant to breathe, they’re only masking smells and worsening indoor air quality. Choose fragrance-free products whenever possible. Opening windows is an excellent, natural way to freshen indoor air. You should also keep boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, cupboards, and drawers, as well as sachets of natural, dried plants like lavender.

You can also make your indoor air cleaner by scheduling a professional air duct cleaning. Air Pro Duct Cleaning serves homeowners throughout the Columbia Falls and Flathead Valley areas of Montana. They offer residential and commercial duct cleaning, power vacuuming, and insulation removal. Call (406) 752-0652 or visit their website to schedule service.