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For thousands of local home owners, indoor air quality is a daily concern. If it isn’t already, it should be, because the very allergies you attribute to other causes could very well be the result of polluted indoor air.
This isn’t just a local problem, either. Across the nation, the EPA has determined, indoor air is, on average, twice as polluted as outdoor air and can be up to 100 times more polluted. Which means that even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms now, why take chances?
One way you improve the quality of your air at home is to your floors as clean as possible. Here are a few suggestions we know you’ll find helpful:
• Vacuum. Chemicals and allergens can get trapped and remain in household dust for decades. So, the idea is to stop the accumulation with regular cleaning. By using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, you can reduce concentrations of lead in your home. You can also get rid of other toxins, like brominated fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs) along with allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Using a vacuum cleaner that has strong suction, rotating brushes, and a HEPA filter ensures that dust and dirt won’t get blown back out in the exhaust. In high traffic areas, vacuum the same spot several times. Don’t forget walls, carpet edges, and upholstered furniture, where dust accumulates. For best results, vacuum two or more times each week and wash out your filter regularly.
• Mop. Mopping picks up the dust that vacuuming leaves behind. You can skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water to capture any lingering dust or allergens. Microfiber mops and dust cloths typically capture more dust and dirt than traditional fibers and don’t require any cleaning solutions to perform at their best.
• Keep it out. Put a large floor mat inside every door leading into your home. People track in all sorts of chemicals via the dirt on their shoes. A door mat reduces the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants that might otherwise get past the entrance. If the mat is big enough, even those who don’t wipe their shoes will leave most pollutants on the mat. It’s also a good idea to take your shoes off upon entering your home, and don’t be shy about asking guests to do the same.
If you’re doing your best to keep a clean house but still have indoor air quality issues, contact GBT Heating & Cooling today so we can recommend the right solution for your entire family. Our whole-house air filters, for example, can trap more than 99% of the pollutants attempting to pass through them.