Indoor Air Quality
Air Cleaners
Installed as a part of a forced-air heating and cooling system, can help remove pollen, mold and mildew, dust mites, bacteria and viruses. The large, efficient filters mean that maintenance is typically limited to once a year. In addition, the filters help protect your heating and cooling equipment from dust accumulation that can lead to inefficient operation and early failure.
Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Help maintain a healthy and comfortable moisture balance in the home’s air, regardless of the season. During wet and rainy seasons, a whole-house dehumidifier dries the air; during dry seasons, a humidifier adds moisture. All units are built right into the heating and cooling system and serve the entire house, not just one or two rooms.
Home Ventilation Systems
If your home is well-sealed and insulated, it may inadvertently trap air pollutants generated by building materials, furnishings, cooking, and even cleaning products. Home ventilation systems exchange stale, polluted air for fresh outside air at recommended rates without wasting the energy.
Programmable Thermostats
Are not only convenient, they are a proven way to save up to 30 percent of your heating and cooling energy costs. Zone controls allow you to adjust the temperature of various areas within your home from a control panel that operates dampers in your forced-air heating and/or cooling system. They also help lower your energy bills by enabling you to heat or cool only the zones that you are using.
Tips for Maintaining Air Quality in the Home
- Stay aware of local weather reports for news of pollution blown in from fires nearby or other areas. Many communities offer forecasts for the next day’s expected air pollution levels. Levels predicted to be orange, red or purple days signal unhealthy levels of ozone. However, pollution from fires may bring unhealthy levels of soot or fine particle pollution, which may be on days when ozone levels are not high.
- On days when air pollution from fires (or other sources) is predicted to be high, limit time spent outdoors and avoid exercise outside, especially if you have asthma, lung disease, or are a child or senior.
- Use a high efficiency furnace filter and replace it every two to three months. A high efficiency filter not only protects the furnace, but can also capture up to 30 times more pollutants such as smoke, pet dander and pollen than standard fiberglass filters.
So that air is always passing through the filter, run the furnace fan continuously regardless of the outdoor temperature. To do so, set the furnace thermostat to the “on,” rather than the “auto,” position. - Have a professional inspect the furnace once a year to make sure that the air intake is adequate and the unit is operating at peak efficiency. A smooth-running furnace helps the filter capture more soot particles in the home.
- Prohibit smoking in the home.
- Make sure gas cooking appliances are vented to the outdoors.
Tips courtesy of American Lung Association