While most people spend a majority of time indoors, it is important to keep the air in the best quality it can be at. Renewing the air in a home is important for achieving indoor air quality. Cooking smells, pet odors, cleaning supplies, and smoke can hinder the quality of the air you are breathing. Having proper ventilation systems in place and taking a few easy steps occasionally will improve the indoor air quality for your family’s home comfort. Closed environments, improper ventilation, and excessive humidity can be unhealthy for your family. Dehumidification and ventilation systems, along with air cleaners are excellent for controlling these things, but there are a few other suggestions.
How Ventilation can Help your Home
If you are in the process of planning a new home design or completing an overhaul of current living space, there are several ways to increase ventilation. Adding ventilation devices are excellent options, but these are just a few of the ideas for improving air quality. In architecture, any high windows that are above eye level are called clerestory. Positioning windows in a room that are above four feet high can reduce heat load and will promote indoor air movement. Having the higher windows will also provide natural illumination into the room while giving the hot air area to accumulate. When placing the windows in your new home, make sure to utilize the south and north outside walls to ensure optimum cross-ventilation and natural breezes.
Tips to Improve the Indoor Air Quality
The air quality inside your home will depend upon many factors that include people smoking, having pets, using harsh cleaners, and cooking frequently. While you are cooking, it is advised to use the range hood fan to expel all of the contaminants that are possibly released during cooking. Carbon monoxide can come from some foods and the range hood fan can eliminate this type of pollutant. When showering, it is recommended that you operate an exhaust fan so that moisture does not build up and cause mold or mildew. These can hinder air quality when they are present for extended periods. Also, leave the shower doors or curtain open when you are done bathing for good air circulation.
Maintaining the Air Quality in your Home
Keep your home free of dirt, pet hair, and dust for eliminating potential hazards in the air. Airborne dirt and dust particles can contaminate the air unless they are kept to a minimum. Some cleaning products release chemicals and toxins, as well, so try to choose ones that have low chemical emissions levels. Perform routine maintenance on all HVAC equipment in the home to ensure proper performance and air quality. Dirty filters can cause undesirable air quality, as well as make your electricity usage go up. When your systems need a repair, call your local air conditioning and repairs specialist. Home comfort is important and having an efficiently working system will add to the indoor air quality. You can also contact us and we can inspect the HVAC system for you.
