Airborne pollutants such as dust, dander, pollen, and mold spores present threats to your household. They dirty the home and can trigger an asthma attack, provoke allergies, and aggravate respiratory conditions. Take preventive measures with your air conditioning and home cleaning to improve your indoor air quality.

A Guide to Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality

1. Change Your Air Conditioning Filter

The air filter inside of your heating and air conditioning unit is designed to capture airborne pollutants before they enter your home through the vents. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which is designed to capture smaller particles the average filter would miss. Replace the filter once every four to six weeks so it doesn’t get clogged and block airflow.

2. Use Kitchen Ventilation

A lot of pollutants come from the kitchen. The stove may release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and burnt food will give off smoke. Turn on your exhaust hood when you cook on the stove and open up a window if you need some extra airflow. This will also prevent those food odors from lingering long after you’ve finished cooking.

3. Clean Regularly

Many of those airborne particles eventually settle on the surfaces of your home, accumulating as dust on the shelves or getting trapped in your carpet’s fibers. Dust all surfaces—even the hard-to-reach ones—once a week.

Use a specialized duster and cleaning solution designed to trap debris. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by mixing household items such as distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, water, and soup. Vacuum twice a week, or more often if you have a lot of guests or pets. Use a high-quality vacuum with strong suction and a HEPA filter to prevent blowing the debris back out and circulating it into the air. 

Extreme Heating & Air Inc. will ensure your air conditioning system is promoting a healthy environment in Eagle River, AK, and the Anchorage area. These licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC professionals offer a full range of convenient services, such as installation, repairs, and maintenance. Learn more on their Facebook page and call (907) 726-1805 for a quote.