3 Indoor Air Quality Tips for Springtime
For many people, spring can be a tough time when allergies are at their peak, and it’s almost impossible to find relief from the sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and clogged sinuses. Holing up inside can worsen symptoms, as common spring allergens like dust and pollen can accumulate and reach higher concentrations indoors.
With the everyday pollutants that tend to hang around in most homes, such as pet dander, dust mites, debris, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), indoor air quality can take a hit in the spring. Fortunately, homeowners can fight back to reclaim their indoor air! Read on to discover three simple ways to improve indoor air quality this spring.
Use Houseplants To Improve Indoor Air Quality
One great trick for improving indoor quality is to add some indoor plants around the house. Multiple studies have shown that certain plants can help remove toxins from the air to some degree through the process of photosynthesis. This can help to reduce some of the more common household contaminants like VOCs (present in many cleaning products, paints, glues, and other items).
One recommendation from a landmark NASA study in 1989 is to add two or three plants for every 100 square feet in the home. Types of plants that can help purify the air without requiring too much maintenance include spider plants, dracaenas, golden pothos, and chrysanthemums. And as a bonus, houseplants have also been known to help improve mood and reduce stress!
Invest In Specialized Air Quality Devices
As helpful as houseplants can be in the fight for clean air, they aren’t as effective as high-tech options. UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to neutralize harmful particles in the air. Other kinds of air purifiers use activated charcoal, electrostatic, or mechanical HEPA filters to capture pollutants. These come in portable models that serve a single room or whole-home models installed near the HVAC air handler unit.Air scrubbers serve to capture contaminants much like an air purifier and release oxidizing particles into the air, which spread throughout the home and neutralize pathogens in the air or on surfaces. An air scrubber is typically installed at the air handler unit to serve the entire house.
For those who want to go the natural or holistic route, Himalayan salt crystal lamps, pure beeswax candles, and many essential oils are known to ionize or neutralize some toxic airborne contaminants.
Make Sure the Air Conditioner Is Well Maintained
Keeping up with AC maintenance is one of the most powerful ways to improve indoor air quality. Changing the air filter every three months (or sooner if it gets dirty quickly) will go a long way, as this is the home’s primary method for capturing pollutants. But it’s equally important to have the system professionally serviced once or twice a year.
After all, if the system’s performance begins to suffer, the home likely won’t get the airflow it needs to remove pollutants. Professional HVAC maintenance visits include routine inspections, alerting homeowners to possible air quality issues like leaky or dirty ductwork. Combined with the strategies above, annual or bi-annual AC maintenance can ensure safe, clean indoor air year-round.
About John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning
Family-owned and operated, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning have been a trusted staple of the Lincoln community since 1996. They offer flat-rate pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and a beneficial membership maintenance plan. Their licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians are known for punctuality and award-winning service. Call them today for service in Lincoln, NE.
