10 Indoor Air Quality Tips for the Summer
Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is essential year-round. However, we’ve found that managing indoor air quality can be trickier in the summer when you’re less likely to bring in fresh air through open windows. Here are 10 tips that will help you optimize your HVAC system’s performance, control humidity levels, and minimize indoor pollutants in the summer months:
Change your air filters regularly: Dust and pollen increase in the summer, so it’s essential to change your air filters regularly. Clogged filters can block airflow and reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system. This could lead to poor air quality and potential issues.
Get your HVAC system serviced in the spring: We recommend scheduling an HVAC maintenance visit every spring to ensure your system functions optimally before the hot weather hits. During a high-performance check, our technicians look at the condition of the coils, calibrate your thermostats, and ensure that your system has the proper amount of refrigerant. All of these checks can help boost efficiency and indoor air quality.
Control indoor humidity levels: Indoor humidity should be kept in the 30 to 50 percent range, and homeowners should use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity during the warmer months. You can use a portable model to dehumidify a single room or choose a whole-home model that connects to your HVAC system. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are prone to excess moisture. A dehumidifier will control both humidity and allergens indoors.
Check for proper ventilation: Your home must have the ventilation necessary to circulate fresh air and expel pollutants. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can remove excess humidity, odors, and pollutants. When outdoor air quality is favorable, and the weather is cooler, we recommend opening your windows for natural ventilation.
Consider installing a ventilation system: Here at W.E. Brown, we sell and install a range of ventilation systems designed to augment the performance of your current air handler. Our ventilation systems can ensure a steady supply of fresh, wholesome outdoor air to prevent your home’s interior atmosphere from becoming stale. Ventilation solutions and a top-quality filtration system can provide added comfort for you and your entire family.
Ensure your windows and doors are correctly sealed: Fresh air is beneficial when the outdoor air quality is good, but you also want to ensure you aren’t letting unwanted air inside all the time. Check for gaps around windows and doors that could allow outdoor pollutants to enter your home. Proper sealing prevents outdoor contaminants and helps improve energy efficiency.
Clean regularly: You can improve your indoor quality by dusting and vacuuming to remove dust mites, pollen, and other allergens from surfaces. Be sure to pay special attention to areas that often accumulate dust, such as carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Cleaning helps prevent allergens from becoming airborne and affecting your indoor air quality.
Don’t allow smoking indoors: Make sure that anyone who smokes in your household does so outside. Smoking indoors releases harmful chemicals. These chemicals linger in the air, negatively impacting indoor air quality for an extended period.
Invest in an air purifier: Portable or whole-home air purifiers capture and remove airborne particles, allergens, and odors. Look for air cleaners with HEPA filters or other advanced filtration technologies to effectively clean the air in your home.
Inspect and clean ductwork regularly: Dust, debris, and mold can accumulate in ducts over time, diminishing indoor air quality. A professional HVAC contractor should inspect and clean the ducts periodically. Professional cleaning helps ensure clean, healthy airflow throughout your home.
These indoor air quality tips will help you create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for your family during the summer months. Call us for personalized recommendations based on your specific HVAC system and indoor air quality needs!
