We spend 90% of our time indoors, according to the EPA. How can that be, you think. I am in and out of my home many times a day. Yes, we do get into our automobiles and drive to another destination. But the time outdoors is only a few minutes as we transfer from one indoor space to another. To compound matters, due to improvements in construction, today’s homes and workplaces are more energy-efficient and have less outdoor airflow. This can result in less ventilation in your home.
Indoor air pollution is generated by radon, secondhand smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in paints, carpets, and other materials. The contaminants list goes on with asbestos, mold spores, dander, animal hair, and other things like pollen. High concentrations of these pollutants can aggravate allergies or even trigger life-threatening asthma attacks.
So what can you do to improve the air quality of your indoor space? You can go with a basic approach which cleans the air vents/registers and change the air filter. There are other things you can do to achieve a higher level of clean air. But first, we will introduce the basics.
Essential Steps to Cleaner Air
Open the blinds, curtains, and windows.
Air out your home and let the sun in. This provides air exchange in your home, and the sunlight leads to fewer germs.Use green cleaning products.
Cleaning products that are better for you and the planet are good for your health and prevent chemicals from entering your home. The Cleaning Authority uses environmentally responsible cleaning products because we feel that a clean earth is as important as a clean home. During this pandemic, we offer our customers the option of having their cleaners use products listed on the EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use against Novel Coronavirus.Keep carpets clean and floors dusted.
Keeping your floors as clean as possible improves air quality by reducing allergens and chemicals.Use the kitchen and bathroom fans to move air throughout your home.
First, make sure they are clean, so you do not contaminate fresh outdoor air coming in. Then use the fans to help take polluted air from your home.Clean your ceiling fan blades.
Dust builds up here and is spread anytime you use the fan.Clean your air vent covers.
Allergens and dust build up over time and are blown into the room every time the heat or air conditioning is used.
To make the last step easier, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cleaning your air vent covers.
- Remove vent covers and wash them in warm, soapy water. To get in between the grill, use a knife wrapped in a soft cloth.
- Vacuum out the dust and debris immediately around the entry to the duct.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- Change any air filters.
- Replace vent covers.
To improve the air even further, clean the duct system, including the supply, intake, and return vents. This also includes fans, the HVAC unit, and the furnace. This complete clean is recommended for your home every 3 to 5 years. It is not something easily done without a trusted supplier. One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, a sister brand of The Cleaning Authority, offers a range of air quality services and products including, installing indoor air quality cleaning systems, duct cleaning, air filters and purifiers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and heat and energy recovery ventilators.
We all want a clean, healthy environment in our home. According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, cleaning is a cornerstone of your home’s health. Let The Cleaning Authority provide home cleaning services weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Our trained cleaning professionals take care of all the details, so you can enjoy a clean house while focusing on the things that matter most. Get an estimate today.