This summer, the whole family will be looking for more excuses to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Every time you open the door and come back inside, though, you'll bring outdoor allergens and contaminants back in with you. Your HVAC system can also pull these in and circulate them, which may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms and leave a musty odor throughout your living space. To breathe easier and sleep deeper, use the following three tips to help ensure cleaner air.

How to Improve the Quality of Your Home’s Air

1. Change the Filter More Frequently

The filter inside your HVAC system is designed to catch tiny particles, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Most contractors recommend changing it every three months to prevent these particles from being routed in your air supply.

However, during the summer, you'll be spending more time outdoors as well as leaving the windows open at times, which can let in even more allergens and contaminants. For this reason, it’s wise to check the filter on a monthly basis. If you have pets that shed, this is another reason to do so.

2. Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

At least two times a year, call an HVAC contractor who can provide a seasonal tuneup for the air conditioner or furnace. During this visit, they’ll assess the efficiency of your system as well as inspect the ducts and vents for buildup.

If they notice an excessive amount of dust or the growth of mold or mildew, they may recommend a thorough duct cleaning. They’ll also test your air quality and offer additional suggestions for improvement, such as upgrading to a more efficient system or a special air filter.

3. Install an Air Purifier

If your AC filter isn't doing enough to clean up your indoor air, talk to your HVAC contractor about installing an air purifier. These appliances will work with your current system using another, even more refined filter.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters are capable of trapping even the smallest particles, including smoke. Some models use cutting-edge technology like UV light to kill contaminants.

To schedule your next tuneup or air quality inspection, reach out to Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling of Cincinnati, OH. For over 85 years, they've been committed to customer satisfaction, regardless of the scope of the project. In addition to duct cleaning and air purifier installations, they’ll also provide urgent HVAC repairs and full-scale replacements when the time arrives. Learn more about their skills by visiting the website or call (513) 574-0005 to schedule an appointment.