3 Habits That Worsen Your Indoor Air Quality in Raleigh, NC

Many things can diminish the quality of air in your Raleigh, NC, home. From off-gassing building materials to constantly shedding pets, there’s always something adding allergens and contaminants to your indoor air. However, there are also three common and correctable habits that you can change to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) right now.

Neglecting HVAC Air Filter Changes

Your HVAC air filter is an important tool for protecting and improving your IAQ. According to HVAC manufacturers, homeowners should inspect air filters monthly and change or clean them every 30 to 90 days.

If you aren’t staying on top of filter maintenance, you may have blown-off bits of collected filter debris in your ductwork and just behind your HVAC air vents. Dirty filters also inhibit airflow and contribute to rising humidity.

A clean, fresh filter will extract more allergens and contaminants from the air than a dirty one will. More importantly, it won’t release and recirculate collected debris.

Skipping Annual HVAC Maintenance

All heating and air conditioning equipment requires annual maintenance from a licensed HVAC company. This includes heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and ductless mini-splits. In addition to enhancing the safety and efficiency of heaters and air conditioners, annual tuneup services promote high IAQ.

If you aren’t scheduling regular preseason tuneups, now’s a great time to start. You’ll enjoy better HVAC performance and experience fewer IAQ-related symptoms like sniffling, wheezing, nasal irritation and sneezing.

Using Products Harmful to Your Indoor Air

Things like new flooring, flooring adhesives and paint off-gas harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for up to five years after installation. Also, you might be adding additional VOCs to your indoor air by spraying chemical-laden surface cleaners, disinfectants and room-freshening sprays.

Plug-in air fresheners and scented candles are other common sources of indoor contaminants. To protect your indoor air quality, look for products with natural ingredients. Choose beeswax or soy candles and candles and cleaners with essential oils or herbal hydrosols.

Choosing healthy cleaning and deodorizing products is a great way to protect your IAQ. Also, stay on top of all HVAC maintenance and consider your options for integrated indoor air quality support. For help optimizing your IAQ in Raleigh, NC, contact Mitchell Heating & Cooling today.

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