Almost everyone spends most of their time indoors, where airborne pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. This poor air quality can cause numerous health problems, including allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and severe respiratory infections. Nevertheless, you can improve your home’s air and protect your health with regular vacuuming and dusting, new air filters, and an indoor air quality evaluation.

Argent Heating & Cooling offers such services to homeowners in the Washington, DC, Metro area. We inspect air filters, hunt down leaks, check for inefficient air distribution, and identify mold and mildew growth. Our team prides itself on attention to detail, efficiency, and communication—just check out previous customers’ reviews! To learn more or schedule a service, call us at (703) 281-6300.

Below, we discuss several ways you can improve your home’s air quality:

Vacuum & Dust Regularly

You can start the air purification process with two straightforward practices: vacuuming and dusting. Rugs, carpets, and other fibrous surfaces tend to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. When disturbed, these surfaces release the trapped contaminants into the air for passers-by to inhale.

Yet vacuuming pulls these pollutants from where they are trapped, thereby preventing them from re-circulation. Dusting shelves and other surfaces also removes the harmful particles that accumulate on them. Finally, cleaning with wipes or sprays can reduce mold and mildew growth.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to change your AC filter. These filters trap dust, pollen, and other contaminants to prevent them from circulating within a home interior. Yet over time, AC filters reach maximum capacity and become clogged with airborne particles, which reduces their efficacy.

Therefore, change your AC unit’s filter every month. Doing so will boost air quality and reduce respiratory-related ailments. In addition, a clean filter improves the efficiency of your AC unit and saves you money on your monthly energy bill. Furthermore, your clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner, and kitchen vents have filters that can collect harmful particles. Check and replace their filters as necessary.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation also impacts air quality. Fireplaces and gas stovetops (as well as electric ones) can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other dangerous chemicals. So, ensure you allow for proper ventilation of these contaminants—and keep your smoke and CO detectors functioning.

Cooking vents, chimneys, and other air outlets help to remove harmful fumes, smoke, and other airborne pollutants. In addition, ventilation from open windows circulates fresh air throughout the house, which reduces humidity, stuffiness, and odors.

Use Air Cleaners, Dehumidifiers, & House Plants

Place air cleaners, dehumidifiers, and plants around the house to boost air quality. Electric air cleaners use electrostatic power or ultra-violet (UV) light to remove airborne particles. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, which can help reduce mold and mildew growth. Finally, plants filter the air naturally, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants and releasing clean oxygen.

Before investing in one, ask your HVAC technician which air cleaner and dehumidifier to use. Moreover, investigate which plants are especially effective at removing harmful toxins, such as peace lilies and spider plants.

Get an Indoor Air Quality Evaluation in the Washington, DC, Metro Area

In addition to the above methods, opt for an indoor air quality evaluation from Argent Heating & Cooling. A professional inspection will ensure you identify all the air pollutants in your home and address them appropriately. That said, our thorough indoor air quality testing offers peace of mind to residents of the Washington, DC, Metro area. Make your home a healthier, more comfortable place by scheduling a service call today at (703) 281-6300.