Sunshine. Ice cream. Vacation. Summer is almost here, and we’re sure you can’t wait to chill and just have a great time — whether out of town or just at home. If you choose to stay at home, have you considered improving the quality of air that circulates throughout your home this summer?
This season is known as a time when people suffer from allergies as it causes more allergic reactions. When you air out your home by leaving your doors and windows open, contaminants make their way into your home and settle on different surfaces, such as carpeting and HVAC ducts. Since your air conditioner runs almost non-stop, it circulates airborne particles, posing dangers to you and everyone in your household.
Thankfully, you can take some steps to improve your indoor air quality in summer. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading HVAC company in Coon Rapids MN. We are experts at indoor air quality and offer products and services that will help you breathe in cleaner, fresher air every day.
Here are practical ways to maintain healthy indoor air quality this summer.
Control sources of poor indoor air quality.
One of the best ways you can do to avoid indoor air pollution is to control sources, like those that contain asbestos. Keep such items sealed or enclosed to avoid circulating polluted air. You can also adjust your gas stove settings to minimize the number of emissions. Be sure that there are no leaks in your gas lines. For the most part, controlling sources of pollution is the more cost-effective method of keeping your indoor air clean than increasing ventilation, which can even increase energy costs.
Keep your HVAC filters clean.
Your HVAC system has a filter that keeps dust, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into your air conditioning unit and circulating it throughout your home. Over time, the filter gets clogged, compromising your home’s indoor air quality. To avoid breathing in polluted air, make it a habit to clean or replace your air filter at least once a month, especially if your cooling system works 24/7. Check your user’s manual to find out whether you have a reusable or a replaceable air filter.
Groom your pets regularly.
If you have furry friends roaming around your home, keep in mind that they slough off dander more in the summer to keep their bodies cool. Pet dander can cause adverse effects on your indoor air quality, i.e., clogging your filter much faster. Therefore, it’s best to have your pets groomed periodically in the summer to minimize the amount of dander present in your indoor air. Ask your pet shop how short they can safely cut the hair, and try to keep it as short as possible during summer.
Use a dehumidifier.
Most of the known allergy triggers such as dust mites, mold, and mildew develop in a humid environment, which is common during this time of year. Too much moisture can damage your furnishings like wallpaper and wood floors and can leave behind foul-smelling odors, especially in areas with condensation issues.
To get rid of excess moisture, use a whole-home dehumidifier, which keeps your home’s ideal humidity levels with minimal upkeep. It performs its task without any disruption or change to your daily routine.
Look for a dehumidifier that has the ENERGY STAR® seal. These products are the same or better than standard products; only they use less energy. ENERGY STAR-approved dehumidifiers meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. Since these systems use less energy, they help you save money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect.
Healthy Climate Whole-Home Dehumidifiers are ENERGY STAR-approved systems that remove up to 130 pints of moisture per day. They work with all HVAC system types and are equipped with washable filters. These systems are available at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning.
Ask the Indoor Air Quality Experts
If you want more tips on how to maintain clean indoor air this summer, give us a call. It would be our pleasure to help you keep your family safe from indoor pollutants. We are your reliable Andover heating and air conditioning company.