Originally published in June 2017, updated in March 2020.
Indoor air quality is an important part of your family’s health, especially if you have a family member with asthma, allergies, or respiratory problems. That’s why it’s important to do everything necessary to improve it. Fortunately, this is far easier than it may seem. If you’re looking to breathe easier in your Charleston, South Carolina, home, follow these easy steps for excellent indoor air quality.
Eliminate Air Fresheners from Your Indoor Air
One of the biggest contributors to sub par indoor air quality is air fresheners. While a wonderful aroma is always a nice touch if you’re having company, it can actually do more harm than good. Both scented candles and aerosol sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can diminish air quality. Instead of opting for these products, take a more natural approach. Flower bouquets or gently boiled aromatics such as lemon or cinnamon provide a beautiful smell without damaging the air quality.
Consider a Humidifier/Dehumidifier
According to studies, the best indoor relative humidity is somewhere between 30 percent and 50 percent, depending on where you live. In Charleston, the outdoor humidity is a bit higher than elsewhere in the country, so pushing it as high as 50 percent is probably the best choice. If you struggle with hitting this level, a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier is a great solution. These systems are installed inline with your current HVAC system, providing perfect humidity levels throughout the year. When you have perfect humidity, they allow you to breathe easier while protecting you from illness, dry skin, and other respiratory issues.
Don’t Run Engines in the Garage
If it’s cold or hot outside, you might turn your car on to get the temperature to the perfect level before leaving the house. While this makes for a more comfortable ride, if your car is in the garage, it wreaks havoc on your indoor air quality. Because the exhaust has few places to go, it seeps into the house, reducing your indoor air quality. Always pull the car into the driveway or onto the street if you have to let the car idle.
Install an Air Purifier for Improved Indoor Air
We carry and install a variety of air purifiers. Certain air purifiers can be installed in-line with your HVAC system and use new technology to capture pathogens. They can trap up to 95% of pathogens and then uses an electrical charge to kill them or render them inert. Your HVAC system circulates the air in your home up to 8 times per hour. As the air is circulating, this type of air purifier can trap pollen, smoke, viruses, bacteria and other pollutants within the air purifier filter.
While you can improve indoor air quality on your own, there are instances where you need our help. To improve your indoor air quality, or for more information about an in-line air purifier, call us at M & B Heating and Air Heating and Air today.
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