Poor indoor air quality impacts your healthy living environment, and the list of contributing factors is long. When it comes to the late spring and summer months, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are feeling the effects of seasonal symptoms.
"Birch, oak, and ash trees produce large quantities of pollen each spring," emphasized Owena Cleary, Director of CPR First Aid Training. "Ryegrass and timothy grass are also a problem for any homeowner who suffers from hay fever."
When the pollen count isn't an issue, other contributors can compromise your indoor air quality. "
"Outdoor pollutants like pesticides, and unmaintained or uncleaned HVAC ducts and systems play a big role in your home's health," explained Rabbit Air’s Customer Service Lead, Olivia Raya
To that, she spoke to other factors: "Indoor smoking (which releases numerous secondhand smoke toxins and ultra-fine airborne particles), and cooking without adequate ventilation generates unwanted particulate matter are problematic. Household cleaning products with harsh chemicals, like bleach or ammonia, introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home. Building materials, such as plywood, particleboard, furniture, drapes, carpets, and paints can emit VOCs and other processed chemicals. Biological contaminants like mold, virus particles, and allergens can cause health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies."
If you thought the list ended there, consider how other sources of indoor air pollution include unmaintained or uncleaned HVAC ducts and systems, as well as outdoor pollutants like pesticides and pollen that migrate indoors.”
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality All Summer Long
Implement these strategies, and you'll be on the way to better, healthier air inside your home.
Ventilate (With Many Stipulations)
Whenever outdoor air quality and the weather conditions are good, it's a great idea to circulate fresh air in your home but keep in mind that natural ventilation can increase indoor pollen levels and can trigger symptoms in allergic individuals.
"Pollen levels are at the highest during the beginning of the day," notes David Chapman, flooring expert and founder of Ultimate Mats. "They start high in the morning before peaking around midday and gradually reduce towards the evening."
"Windy days are also particularly miserable for allergy sufferers," adds Owena Cleary, Director of CPR First Aid Training. "The breeze carries pollen further and keeps it suspended for far longer than most people expect."
She adds, "Rain plays a major role because dry periods allow pollen to build up in the air and drift across entire areas."
Your window cleanliness also plays a role in your home's IAQ, but this one is less obvious: If you have mold growing around your window when you open it to ventilate, the spores could circulate around your room. Mold? "One of the most overlooked areas in a home for mold growth is around window frames and blinds," shared Bradley Bonnen, CEO of iFlooded Restoration. "Condensation builds up on glass overnight, then drips into sills and fabric blinds. Because it dries slowly and is often out of direct sight, mold can grow there without being noticed."
If you're opening windows, choose to ventilate during evening hours or after a rainstorm rather than during the day. Additionally, use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel moisture and airborne pollutants.
Perform Routine HVAC Maintenance
"Your air conditioner’s filter helps improve air quality by trapping dust, dander, lint, and other harmful particles," reminded a representative at Trane Residential. "Filters are a crucial component in AC maintenance and something you can feel comfortable taking charge of yourself. It’s best practice to try and change your filters once every three months." In addition to reducing adverse health effects and indoor air quality problems, replacing air filters also helps with energy efficiency.
Knowing when to upgrade your HVAC system is also crucial for homeowners. These key indicators may mean it's time for an upgrade:
- Old age. If your HVAC unit is over 10-15 years old, it's likely becoming less efficient and may need an upgrade to maintain your desired comfort levels.
- Frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. This may signal that your system is on its last legs. Rising energy bills can indicate an outdated, inefficient HVAC system.
- Inconsistent heating or cooling in different parts of your home. It may be time to explore HVAC zones or air duct upgrades
- Technology and energy efficiency advancements. This may mean a newer system can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Use Air Purifiers
"HEPA filtration emerges as a solid choice for those with asthma, known for its ability to remove approximately 98% of pollutants in the air, even particles as minuscule as 0.3 microns," noted the representative from Trane Residential.
Raya also adds, "These filters effectively trap common allergy and asthma triggers, such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust. Depending on the air quality in your area, you may need to operate an air purifier for extended periods or even continuously to maintain consistent air quality and help control allergens in your home.”
When shopping for an air purifier, consider the size (match the CADR to your room dimensions), noise levels, and overall utility and maintenance costs. Ozone output and filter type are also factors to consider (especially for asthma sufferers) when comparing the type of filter. Look for AHAM verification for reliability. Reviewing product labels, understanding specifications, and reading reviews can also guide your decision. Trane CleanEffects™ Whole Home Air Cleaner surpasses standard counterparts by 100 times and is considered one of the best home air purifiers for the home.
Keep Surfaces and Fabrics Clean
Managing all contaminants is important to keeping your home comfortable. Regular dusting and laundering helps.
"Clothes that were worn outside should go straight into the washer," notes Cleary. "Bedding should be stripped at least once a week and washed hot. Avoid drying anything outside when the count is high, because the fabric will collect more pollen."
If you spend a lot of time in your car, remember to prioritize its surfaces, too. "Most people forget about the pollen that can accumulate on and in their car," adds Cleary. "A regular wipe of the inside, paired with a decent cabin air filter, can make a commute far more bearable."
Control Humidity
Use dehumidifiers and smart thermostats to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, which helps prevent mold growth and dust mites. Also, repair any leaks and address water damage promptly to prevent mold and mildew.
Use an IAQ Monitor
Use indoor air quality monitors to track indoor pollutant levels and humidity, enabling timely action when needed. We use and like Airthings products View Radon and View Plus Continuous Radon Monitors. Set on different levels, we're able to track air quality issues and levels of pollutants over two stories. Together, they track levels of Radon, Humidity, Temperature, Pressure, and common pollutants like PM 2.5, CO2, VOC, and PM1. Additionally, our smoke detectors double as carbon monoxide alarms.
Love Your Houseplants, But Manage Your Landscaping
Houseplants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies can naturally filter indoor air pollutants and improve poor air quality year-round. If you have birch, oak, or ash trees in your yard, you might notice that they produce a lot of pollen each spring. "Ryegrass and timothy grass are also a problem for any homeowner who suffers from hay fever," highlights Cleary.
What do you need to do to maintain your air conditioning systems?
In addition to changing your air filter once every three months, keep an eye on the outside portion of your unit. "If you have a central or packaged air conditioner, the unit will be located outside. It’s important to keep the area surrounding your outdoor AC clean and debris-free," reminds a Trane Representative. "A good rule of thumb is to not let any plants or other wildlife grow within a 2-foot radius of your air conditioner. If plants, trees, or weeds grow too close to your AC, it could interfere with its functionality. Additionally, if you see things like leaf buildup or animal nests around your unit, it’s safe to remove them so they don’t get caught in your air conditioner."
They also speak to the importance of leveling your outdoor air conditioning unit. "Over time, the pad where the outdoor portion of your central air conditioner sits can begin to droop or sink due to soil erosion or settlement. If your unit isn’t level, it can cause parts inside to become misaligned and fail early. Use a level tool to make sure your unit is aligned correctly. If you find your unit to be lopsided, you can place rot-resistant shims under the base to bring it back to the right place."
What are the best ways a homeowner or renter can reduce the effects of wildfire smoke?
"Keeping windows and doors closed is a quick and easy way to help preserve indoor air quality," shared Dr. Nikki Vars McCullough, Respiratory Expert, 3M’s Personal Safety Division. Additionally, run your HVAC fan to filter the air inside to promote cleaner, fresh air. Vars adds, "If you don’t have a central air system, invest in a good air purifier. I live in a house without a central HVAC system, so we have 3M room air purifiers in almost every room of the house. And, when you do have to go outside, use a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved respirator. It’s important to use a respirator that fits your face well and to be sure to follow the instructions carefully before using it outside."
