The technicians at Climate Tech Air Conditioning and Heating understand that it is not only important to keep the air in your warm at a comfortable temperature, but also clean. Air pollution is not only something that we should be wary of outside. In fact, due to chemicals in dust, fragrances cleaning products, pet dander, and other household substances, air indoors can be even more polluted than the air outside. With repeated or prolonged exposure, these types of indoor pollutants can have serious health effects for you and your loved ones. Fortunately, the experts at Climate Tech Air Conditioning and Heating have a few tips to help you improve the air quality inside your family’s home.
- Clean your floors effectively – It’s important to choose a vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes, strong suction, and HEPA filters. HEPA filters help to reduce lead concentrations and rid your home of allergens and chemical toxins. Brush rotation and strong suction will prevent dust and allergen from blowing back out of the vacuum with exhaust. However, vacuuming alone is not always enough. Following up with a microfiber mop will pick up the allergens and dust particles that a vacuum leaves behind.
- Avoid synthetic fragrances – Between laundry detergent, air fresheners, hand soaps, and perfume, synthetic fragrances are abundant in most homes. What are so harmful about these types of fragrances are the gasses they emit, known as Volatile Organic Compounds. These compounds can be extremely harmful and there is little regulation in terms of testing and disclosure labeling, making them difficult to avoid. The best way to keep your home free of harmful synthetic fragrances is to search for fragrance free or naturally scented products.
- Adopt air-filtering houseplants – Houseplants have proven to be a natural and effective way to eliminate a variety of hazardous substances from the air in family homes. They produce oxygen from CO2 and absorb toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Peace lilies and English ivy are two of the most effective natural air filters.
- Test for Radon – Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Radon is a result of the breakdown of uranium in water, rock and soil and easily makes its way in to the air you breathe. Smoking has been proven to increase the levels of radon, among other harmful pollutants, in homes. However, smoking is not the only factor that can put you at risk. Even granite countertops have been linked to radon emission. Having your home tested is relatively inexpensive and the only sure way to know if your family is at risk.
Take Care of your AC
The air quality in your home can have a major impact on the health of your family and your air conditioning system is among the leading factors that determine the quality of the air you breathe at home. Although every HVAC system is designed with this in mind, regular use can make your unit dirty. Dirty air conditioning components are a common cause of lower indoor air quality and can lead to larger issues that can require costly repairs or even replacement. Summer in Texas means that you will be using your AC more regularly than any other time of the year. If you haven’t had your AC inspected and serviced recently, now is the time to give Climate Tech Air Conditioning and Heating a call. Our technicians are trained and trusted to ensure that your AC is not only keeping your indoor air cool, but also clean and healthy to breathe.
