Indoor air pollution should concern every homeowner. While having your home properly insulated is good for your budget, it also traps pollutants inside. Considering most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, having poor indoor air quality is a major health concern. In fact, your indoor air could be two to five times more polluted than the air outside your home. To ensure healthy indoor air quality, here are five indoor air quality mistakes to avoid.
#1 Failing to Clean Your Clothes Dryer’s Exhaust Pipe
While removing the buildup in your dryer’s lint trap is standard home maintenance, if your exhaust pipe is not clean, lint will begin to escape into the air. Instead, clean out the exhaust pipe every three to six months or hire a professional duct cleaner to do it for you.
#2 Running the Bathroom Fan Only While Showering
Leaving a bathroom steamy after a hot shower can encourage mold to grow in tile and the rest of the bathroom. Fortunately, timers and motion sensors exist to help you use the bathroom fan efficiently. If possible, install a timer switch to turn the fan off 20 minutes after leaving the bathroom, or simply set a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off the fan yourself.
#3 Running an Air Purifier Without a HEPA Filter
Operating an ozone-generating air purifier can harm your lungs. In several studies by the University of California, Irvine, ozone purifiers emitted dangerous levels of ozone, which can cause shortness of breath and aggravate asthma. Other studies show that HEPA filters eliminate 99 percent of airborne particles that pose allergen risks. If you are considering an ozone air purifier, install a HEPA air purifying system instead.
#4 Changing the Vacuum Bag Only When Full
While vacuuming weekly will remove dust that accumulates deep in carpeting, a full bag can actually release more dust into the air. Discard or empty vacuum bags once they reach 75 percent capacity.
#5 Using VOC Paint and Products
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are harmful chemicals often found in paint, adhesives, cleaning supplies and even home furnishings. When choosing a paint, many homeowners focus on the color and finish instead of the harmful ingredients. Take the time to ensure the paint and other products you use are labeled “non-VOC.”
Let Air Tech of Central Florida Solve Your Indoor Air Quality Issues
If you have concerns about your indoor air quality, turn to the experts at Air Tech of Central Florida. Our technicians can provide air quality solutions to help you breathe easier. Contact Us today to schedule a service appointment.
Author Bio:
Luigi Ferraro
Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC services, Air Tech offers a wide range of solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of their customers. Their team of skilled technicians is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems with expertise and precision.
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