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Whether your heating system is ten years old or brand new, there’s still a good chance you’re not feeling completely comfortable during the heating season.
Many people wake up first thing in the morning with telltale symptoms of allergies or a cold, and think that’s the problem Later in the day – and outside of their homes – they realize that whatever they thought they were coming down with is gone. Later that evening or early the next morning, the cycle repeats itself.
If that sounds familiar, chances are you’re enveloped in “sick home syndrome” – fancy name for poor quality indoor air.
It’s bad enough that, on average, indoor air is two to five times more polluted than the air outside. During the heating season, conditions tend to grow worse as windows and doors are kept shut more often, thus keeping fresh air out and more polluted air in, with nowhere to go but inside your lungs.
It’s the kind of air you’ll want to clean up, and here are 6 effective ways to go about it:
Clean and vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, and particulates from rugs, hardwood floors, upholstery, draperies, and everywhere else your vacuum cleaner and attachments can reach. Empty and clean your vacuum dirt cup before every application to keep dirt from re-entering your home. Also, the next time you purchase a vacuum cleaner, look for one with a HEPA filter.
Buy one or more house plants that are known for their air scrubbing powers. These include peace lilies, dracaenas, chrysanthemums, bamboo palms, and English ivies.
Start making your own non-toxic cleaning supplies and personal care products. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish with a little baking soda, water, and vinegar, and how much money you can save in the process.
If you’re planning a home remodeling project, stay away from anything made with toxic substances. Rugs and carpeting, for example, are notorious for the formaldehyde they can leak into your home, so when you’re out shopping, look for rugs and carpets made from natural fibers. And since VOCs (volatile chemical compounds) are also contained in carpet glues, insist on having your wall-to-wall carpeting stapled vs.glued to further safeguard your health.
Have everyone (residents and guests alike) take off their shoes when entering your home. That way, all the stuff attached to the bottom of footwear will travel no farther than your entranceway.
Clean or replace your furnace air filter once a month.
At GBT Heating & Cooling, we offer several indoor air quality solutions of our own, including whole-house air filters that are installed inside your ductwork to trap dust, dirt, and other particulates before they enter your living spaces. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you enjoy cleaner and healthier indoor air, all year long.