With cooler weather approaching, indoor air quality becomes a concern since we spend more time inside. During winter, windows are usually kept closed so contaminants that get into the house are recirculated through the air. Here are a few tips to help you improve indoor air quality in your home.

Improve Indoor Air Quality by Keeping the Home Clean

Frequent house cleaning helps keep pet dander and other allergens to a minimum. Your cleaning tools should include a vacuum with a HEPA filter for use on furniture, carpets, and rugs.

Regularly launder all drapes, upholstery, and bedding. When washing these items, set the water temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter to better clean the fabrics. Wash pet bedding at least every other week.

Change the HVAC Filter

If you’re not replacing your HVAC system’s air filter every 30 days, any other steps you take to improve air quality may be futile. A dirty air filter is full of allergens, dust, mold spores, and pet hair.

As you run your HVAC unit, those contaminants will be recirculated back into your home. Your system will continue to carry the pollutants until you replace the dirty filter.

Use a Purifier to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Using an air purifier in often-used rooms will help reduce contaminants. Even in a household with pets, an air purifier can filter out most of the allergens that cause breathing difficulties and other allergy-like symptoms.

Use an air purifier in one room, and if respiratory issues improve, place additional units in bedrooms and other common areas.

Open the Windows

It’s best to open your windows for 10-15 minutes every day, but even opening them once in a while will help keep the air fresher. Open multiple windows for a cross-breeze that will carry stale air out of the home and bring fresh outdoor air inside.

You’ll improve air quality and the breeze will carry out musty odors. Opening the windows for just one hour a week will have a positive effect on the home’s air quality.

Following these tips will improve the air throughout your home. As a result, family members with allergies or asthma will experience fewer issues. You’ll find that cleaner air provides many long-term health and wellness benefits.

Realistic Home Inspection Services offers home inspections to the greater Milwaukee area. Contact us to schedule our services.