How to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Not only do soil and other contaminants degrade the value of your home if not addressed, they cause health risks to the inhabitants. All people have some health risk when exposed to pollutants like pollen, dust, dust mites, pet dander, bacteria and mold. Poor air quality can worsen asthma, allergies and people with upper respiratory problems. It has been also linked to sick building syndrome, reduced productivity and impaired learning in schools. Immediate health risks include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Air pollutants come into our homes with shoes, coats, gloves, hats, purses or backpacks and more! An estimated 40 pounds of dust accumulates each year in the average six room home. Water-damaged carpets can breed dust mites and other allergens after they have dried. A relative humidity of 30-50 percent is generally recommended for homes to avoid dampness that attracts environmental air pollutants. Places that attract and keep the most particles are: Rugs, carpets, chairs, couches, drapes, bedding and pillows.

To improve the quality of your home’s indoor air, it is suggested that you have a regular cleaning routine within the home that includes dusting and vacuuming surfaces weekly. Maintenance of your HVAC system can help. Carpets are the best at attracting outdoor particles that have been brought into the home by shoes or leaving a door or window open. We highly recommend that you have your carpets and upholstery on a regular cleaning schedule as well. Carpets should be maintained every 6 months and upholstery every year to avoid contaminants to build up and be released into the air.