4 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality | IAQ Solutions

We often place more importance on outdoor air pollution, but being that we spend a majority of our time indoors, we mustn’t glaze over indoor air pollution. Did you know that indoor air is 3 to 5 times, and sometimes more than 100 times, more polluted than outdoor air? Not to say that outdoor air pollution isn’t a driver of poor health as well, but indoor air quality is arguably much more important to your overall health.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality is caused by a variety of factors such as:

• Molds
• Pollen
• Dander
• Dust, dirt and debris on your shoes
• Bacteria
• Formaldehyde
• Paint
• CO2 from fuel burning stoves and furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, etc.
• Humidity

Find out more about Indoor Air Pollutants here.

Unfortunately, that’s just a small sample of the large amount of pollutants that attribute to poor indoor air quality. You may be wondering, “How do they get into my home?” The truth is, these pollutants can enter your home through a variety of ways, including poor ventilation, cracks in walls, doors and windows, cleaning products, tobacco products, and even furnishings like brand new carpet.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Breathe cleaner air by working to improve indoor air quality in your home. Though air cannot be seen, it can be cleaned, here’s how you can improve the quality of you air:

Test for pollutants

Have a certified IAQ technician test your home for harmful pollutants. Boulden Brother’s licensed, trained technicians will conduct a comprehensive and thorough IAQ test on your home, and offer advice on what to do next. We offer a variety of products and services that will drastically improve your indoor air! Let us restore your peace of mind, give us a call today!

Cut back on chemical cleaners

It might seem like a paradox, but many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals. The Environmental Working Group gathered a list of the most toxic household cleaners, titling it as “The Hall of Shame.” This list includes well-known products such as Simple Green, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Easy-Off. Check out this list before you buy your next cleaning products.

This shouldn’t discourage you from cleaning though! Vacuum and damp-mop regularly to keep dust and other pollutants at bay.

Control moisture levels

It’s important that your home remain dry. Keep your home’s humidity levels at less than 60 percent. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth. If your home has experienced recent flooding, dry all materials. Any materials that cannot be dried properly, remove from the premises. Call Boulden Brothers to inspect your home for the proper moisture levels and install whole home humidification systems to improve indoor air quality.

Improve ventilation

Seal and caulk any leaks or cracks in your windows and doors. Take control of the air that enters into your home. After any major insulation project, have a qualified professional inspect your home for proper ventilation. Although insulation helps save you money and energy on heating and cooling costs, it can also pose a ventilation problem by not allowing enough air to circulate throughout your home.

If the air is stuffy, try opening a window or two to get some fresh air back into your home. You don’t want the same stale being recirculated over and over again. A little outdoor breeze will do wonders.

Read our blog on How to Lower Utility Costs for a more in-depth guide on sealing and insulating your home.

Change your air filter

After a while, your HVAC air filters gets pretty gross, covered in dirt, dust, and debris. If you don’t change your air filters regularly, all of that stuff goes right into your home. We recommend changing your air filters every 1-3 months. As a reminder, write the date on the new filter so you know when to change it again. Also, set reminders on your phone and calendar.

For more tips to improve indoor air quality in your home, keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Trust the air you breathe in by giving the experts at Boulden Brothers a call today.