Summer can be difficult for people that have breathing problems like asthma, allergies, COPD, and emphysema. Elevated humidity, allergy’s and heat are causes of breathing difficulties for some of us. Children and the elderly can be especially vulnerable. But there are ways to significantly improve indoor air quality, or IAQ as it is often abbreviated.
If you follow these 5 tips for improving indoor air quality you and your loved-ones will be breathing easier very soon!
Keep the floor vacuumed
In the summer, with open windows and doors allergens and pollutants enter our homes at an alarming rate. They tend to settle to the floor which makes it very important to vacuum floors regularly. Choose a vacuum with a bare floor setting and also one that has a high-quality HEPA filterto trap allergens.
Reduce the Humidity in Your Home
Heightened humidity could restrict breathing. In addition, moisture is required for mold to grow and for dust mites to thrive, and both can lead to breathing issues. One of the ideal ways to lower humidity is to utilize a central air conditioner. An air conditioner will remove humidity by allowing it to condense on the coil and then go down the drain. A good central air conditioner can remove as much moisture from your home as a dehumidifier. If you have not had your air conditioning serviced this year, you should call a service technician to have it checked and maintained so you will get the best performance from it. If you’re purchasing a new hvac system, choose one with a 2-stage compressor and a variable-speed blower for optimal humidity reduction in summer.
Change Filters
Change or wash your furnace filter as often as is recommended by the manufacturer. Usually it is recommended every 2 months or so. A clogged filter will reduce the systems ability to filter air and lower humidity levels.
Dont allow smoking in your home
A large part of the population still smokes and it could create serious issues for people in your house. This simple step will greatly improve IAQ!
Radon Levels
Test for radon in your home and take steps to get rid of it if it is found in your home. Radon is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. The test is cheap and is even offered free by some health departments. Radon alleviation is inexpensive and very worth it!
Breathing is not an optional activity! Poor indoor air quality can be a dangerous hindrance to healthy breathing. The above tips for improved IAQ are simple to carry out and could payoff with long-term benefits.
