How to Improve Indoor Air Quality (Without Breaking the Bank)

Good indoor air quality is vital for your family's health and well-being. Poor air can lead to seasonal allergies and asthma flare-ups. Over time, it can even heighten the risk of serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.

Good news: Improving indoor air quality can be simple and affordable, thanks to expert services from Mission Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution includes airborne irritants present at various levels in most homes. Airborne contaminants include a range of natural and manufactured particulates, including:

Dust mites
Formaldehyde
Mold and mildew
Pet dander
Pollen
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Many household compounds are part of our daily lives. Still, it’s important to monitor their levels to ensure safety. Indoor air quality is measured in parts per million (ppm), indicating the concentration of irritants. As the concentration of these particles increases, your home’s indoor air quality declines.

What Are the Causes of Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollutants, whether organic or chemical, come from many sources both inside and outside our homes. The levels of these airborne particles can play a significant role in how we feel. It's fascinating to see how these concentrations can vary with the seasons or new sources of pollution, highlighting the need for awareness and proactive measures!

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Many people may not realize that everyday household items can significantly contribute to indoor air pollution, particularly through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Common sources of these chemicals include paints, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture. Being aware of these sources can help maintain a healthier indoor environment.

Another chemical, radon, is a natural radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The most common sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Biological indoor air pollution sources include pets (dander and hair), dust mites, and, yes, your dead skin.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Outdoor air quality can affect your home. Households near industrial sites, busy highways, or wildfires are at higher risk of poor indoor air quality, as pollution can enter through cracks or open windows and may be hard to eliminate without proper ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen are also considered outdoor airborne irritants and impact indoor air quality – ask any one of the80 million American adults with seasonal allergies. That’s roughly 26% of the population!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality requires a comprehensive approach, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five ways to breathe better quickly!

1. Address airborne irritants.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products and restrict the use of paints and solvents to the outdoors. If you must paint inside, always keep the windows open and use fans to keep air circulating. When you're in the market for furniture, look for furniture that does not have VOCs. Keep your home and its contents clean through regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are some of the best (and easiest) ways to tackle biological sources of airborne irritants!

2. Increase ventilation and airflow.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Ventilation is an important part of your home’s indoor air quality!

3. Maintain your HVAC system.

Taking good care of your HVAC system is essential for ensuring great indoor air quality! Regular maintenance really makes a difference, and don’t forget to check and replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months. If you're unsure about the right timing, your furnace or boiler’s owner’s manual can guide you. If you or someone in your home has respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, it’s a good idea to change those filters more often for optimal health.

4. Keep an eye on humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may make allergy symptoms more severe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50% to maintain healthy indoor quality.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Consider an air purifier.

Especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, portable and whole-home air purifiers are a sound investment. Quality air purifiers start at around $50 and can greatly reduce airborne contaminates. especially when placed near sources of irritants, like a dog bed or open windows.

Enjoy Better Indoor Air Quality with Regular HVAC Service

Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in your overall health. As your local HVAC expert, we can help you take proactive steps to improve it through reliable service and trustworthy recommendations. Prioritize your respiratory health and schedule a service today.

Expert Indoor Air Quality Services in Kansas City

At Mission Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we’re excited to be your trusted partner for all home service needs in the greater Kansas City, Lenexa, and Overland Park area. Our skilled professionals are here to help you improve indoor air quality and ventilation in your home with thorough, reliable IAQ services on your schedule!

Contact our friendly team or call 913-347-5425 to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you!

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with Minimal Expense