As summer begins in South Jersey, it poses new challenges to the quality of indoor air. According to the EPA, indoor air is up to 70% more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor pollutants and irritants can cause a major health concern to children, the elderly, and people with particular allergies. Since most people spend 90% of their time indoors during summer, be it at work or home, it is essential to maintain good air quality for health purposes. The following tips will help you improve the indoor air quality in your Pittsburgh home or business this summer.

Control the Level of Humidity

The summer season in Pleasantville tends to be hot and humid. High humidity levels provide a thriving zone for molds and mildew. Additionally, humidity triggers colds, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. An effective way of keeping moisture at minimum levels and reducing allergens is by installing a dehumidifier. The recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Additionally, these tips may help minimize moisture in the indoor environment.

  • Dry clothes and laundry outside the house.
  • Keep windows open when cooking or bathing.
  • Fix any leaky plumbing fixtures to prevent mold.

Conversely, air conditioning can reduce the moisture in the air and even dry it out too much, leaving you with the need for a humidifier for optimum humidity levels.

Replace Air Filters

Air filters require replacement every 90 days. You will need to replace them more frequently in a more polluted environment since they quickly fill up with contaminants. Dirty air filters can cause serious health issues if not replaced regularly.

Improve Ventilation

Always ensure that your house is well ventilated to allow free circulation of fresh air while letting stale air out. If your home is stuffier than it should be, you need an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to lower humidity, expel contaminated air, and allow fresh air to flow into your home. ERVs help prevents the build-up of contaminants and pre-condition fresh air to reduce the energy used by the HVAC system to heat or cool.

Reduce Indoor Chemical Use

Most cleaning products, paints, and home décor products contain strong chemicals that can pollute the indoor environment. Smoking indoors also releases pollutants in the air since cigarettes contain several harmful chemicals. To reduce chemical-related pollution, ensure you purchase cleaning agents, paints, and furniture with more natural elements. Also, ensure smoking, spraying perfumes, and any other activities that may introduce contaminants are conducted outside.

Enhance Indoor Air Quality in South Jersey

As you spend your time indoors this summer, you need a comfortable and healthy space with quality indoor air. The skilled technicians of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Pleasantville can help you enhance the air quality in your home without compromising climate control. For around-the-clock indoor air quality services, contact us today.