Spring Cleaning for Your Indoor Air Quality

Spring has officially sprung! It’s time to get outside and start enjoying the beautiful weather here in the Cape Fear area. Whether it’s heading to downtown Wilmington for a shopping excursion or making your way over to the beach, there is no shortage of things to do. But don’t forget about your home! While many put off spring cleaning, thinking it an unnecessary task, it’s actually quite important. Not only do you clean those often-neglected areas, improving the look of your home’s interior, you also do something else. Spring cleaning is essential for your indoor air quality.

Change Air Filters

Your air filter is essential for your indoor air quality. It filters out airborne dirt, dust, dander and other allergens that can be aggravating to your eyes and your respiratory system. When your air filter is dirty, it can no longer properly clean your air, leaving harmful contaminants to stay in the air. Air filters need to be changed every one to three months, but for the best results, you should be checking it every month, and replacing it as soon as you notice that it is dirty.

Dust and Vacuum

Over time, dirt and dust settles into your home, especially in hard to reach areas, such as ceiling fan blades and overhead light fixtures. Make sure to get all of these areas. And don’t forget, when you vacuum, to get behind and underneath all furniture that hasn’t been moved in a while. If you have carpets in your home, now would be the perfect time to schedule a professional carpet cleaning.

Consider Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

With the change in seasons comes a change in the humidity levels. If the levels are off, your home becomes vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. Making sure to keep the humidity levels in your home, with the help of a home humidification system, at an ideal level (between 35 and 55%) can help to combat these issues. This prevents the air from being too dry, which can be irritating for those with dry skin or eyes, and too moist (which would otherwise promote mold growth).

Invest in Houseplants

Many types of houseplants – aloe, Gerber daisies, spider plants, etc. – are a great, inexpensive way to help improve your indoor air quality. They filter out common volatile organic compounds that could be otherwise harmful to your health. If you have pets, however, you will want to check to make sure the plants you choose are safe to keep, as some houseplants are toxic to them if ingested.

Clean Air Ducts

Your air ducts carry air into your home from your HVAC. Over time, dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria and other pollutants can get caught in the ducts. Not only does this negatively impact your indoor air quality, it can also be detrimental to your HVAC, making it work harder, increasing your energy bills and wearing out the unit faster. You can clean the ducts yourself, or you can hire an experienced professional to come do it for you. As the ducts are clean, they can check for signs of leaky ducts, allowing you to get the necessary repairs.

With clean air in your home, you not only improve the atmosphere, but you also make the air safer for everyone to breathe. And this can be a huge bonus for people who suffer from allergies. If you are interested in adding a humidifier or dehumidifier, or you need your ductwork inspected and cleaned, Salt Air Heating and Cooling can help. Contact us today for more information! 910-777-3539