Did you know that the air inside your Gurnee, IL, home can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? The heat and humidity and the increased time spent outdoors can do a number on your home’s air quality. Fortunately, when you follow these summertime indoor air quality tips, you can help your household breathe easier and stay healthy.
Get in the Habit of Changing Your AC’s Filter
Most households have air conditioners that use replaceable air filters. These filters trap pollen, dust, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants, keeping them from being recirculated through the house when the air conditioner runs.
Eventually, the filter gets dirty from trapping all the debris and needs changing. If you don’t change the filter, your air quality will suffer. Most AC filters need to be changed or cleaned every 90 days, and those inside your vents on a monthly basis.
Keep Your Home’s Humidity Levels in Check
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping summertime relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Excessive humidity can cause bacteria and biological growth inside your ductwork AC. Biological growth can wreak havoc on your health and cause respiratory illnesses and contribute to headaches.
High humidity also creates the perfect breeding ground for dust mites. These microscopic insects are far from harmless, especially for people with asthma and allergies. A whole-house humidifier attached to your air conditioning system works well at keeping relative humidity levels within the EPA’s suggested range.
Contact Us for Other IAQ Solutions
Additionally, it’s important to work closely with HVAC professionals to learn more about IAQ solutions for your home. Installing air purifying systems such as dehumidifiers, electronic cleaners, HEPA filtration systems, or ultraviolet air purifiers gives you peace of mind and helps you breathe easier. But which one of these indoor air quality solutions is right for your home? Contact the experts at Herchenbach Mechanical Inc. to learn more.
Image provided by iStock
