Change the HVAC Filter
Your heating and cooling system is fitted with a filter that helps trap contaminants and prevent them from circulating through your home’s air. It is recommended that you change this filter every 30 to 90 days. Check with the manufacturer’s instructions and set a reminder on your phone. Keeping the HVAC filter clean will help the system run more efficiently, extend its lifespan, and improve air quality in your home.
Dust Regularly to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Keeping a clean house is another important step towards having good quality air indoors. Dust regularly. If you have pets, this could mean two or three times each week. Vacuum your home using a machine with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are high-quality air filters that trap tiny contaminants and keep them from circulating in your home. Regular cleaning helps to remove dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, and other irritants from your living environment.
Use a Dehumidifier
Mold is more likely to grow in a warm, humid environment. Any time there is excess moisture, not only is mold and mildew growth more likely but it also invites pests. If you have a problem with humidity in your home, invest in a dehumidifier. These devices are sold based on the square footage that they treat. Run your dehumidifier on humid days and make sure to empty the reservoir frequently. Managing humidity will help curb mold growth and boost air quality.
Use Ventilation Fans to Improve Indoor Air Quality
When showering or cooking, turn on the ventilation fan in the room. These fans are designed to pull moist air out of the house. Your bathrooms and kitchen should be fitted with fans to remove humid air, smoke, and cooking odors.
Order a Radon Test
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced as a byproduct when uranium breaks down in the soil. This radioactive gas is dangerous because it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. A radon test is the only way to know if you have high levels of this gas in your home.
Hire a professional to perform a radon test because he or she will know how to administer it and how to get an accurate reading. If high levels of radon are discovered, your radon professional can design a mitigation system to improve the air quality in your home.
Phoenix Property Inspections provides home inspection services, including mold inspections, to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties in California. Contact us to schedule an appointment.