When most people think of air pollution, they think of industrial smoke and smog from traffic. However, many outdoor elements can enter homes, creating higher levels of air pollution indoors. Luckily, your air conditioner can help you combat these particles. Use the tips below and start breathing better today.

How to Keep Indoor Air Clean

1. Maintain the Floors

Invisible pollutants, including bacteria, dust mites, and pet dander, enter a home through shoes. These particles get trapped in carpet fibers, becoming airborne as people walk over the flooring. Allergens can also accumulate in the gaps and grout of linoleum, tile, and hardwood floors, increasing the risk of allergic reactions.

Twice a week, use a microfiber mop or vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to clean your flooring. Place sturdy mats at your doors so residents can wipe contaminants off their shoes.

2. Change the Air Filters Regularly

Your air conditioner uses a filter to remove dust and allergens from your home, but over time, these substances collect in the filter and reduce its effectiveness. This can also cause your AC to work harder to push out air and regulate temperatures, increasing maintenance and repair costs.

If you have fiberglass filters, change them every 30 days. If you have pleated filters, change them every 90 days.

3. Use a Dehumidifier

Moisture and warmth combine to form a breeding ground for mold growth, which aggravates allergies and respiratory conditions, including asthma.

You can reduce the potential for mold by using a whole-home dehumidifier, which eliminates excess moisture. The optimal humidity level in a home is between 30 and 50%.

 

If you want to improve your air quality and ensure your air conditioner remains in top shape, contact Chuck Ollinger Plumbing and Heating in Erie, PA. This family-owned business has been offering exceptional HVAC installations and maintenance for over 50 years. They also carry a range of products to improve air quality, including purifiers and dehumidifiers. Call (814) 899-2809 for an estimate or visit them online to learn more about indoor air.