The average American spends roughly 90 percent of their time indoors, according to the EPA — which means the air inside your home matters more to your health than the air outside it. The EPA has also found that indoor air can carry higher concentrations of some pollutants than outdoor air, largely because modern homes are built tight enough to trap what gets in.
If your Strongsville, OH home has air quality problems, the symptoms range from mild irritation to serious allergy and respiratory trouble. Here are four things that actually move the needle.
Understand the Scope of the Allergy Issue
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), roughly 10 to 30 percent of people suffer from allergies.
Although some common allergens originate outdoors, such as grass and tree pollen, they can still make their way into your home. Dust and dust mites are present in every Ohio home, causing an allergic reaction for many.
Common pets, such as cats and dogs, shed hair and dander, which affects air quality. Other indoor allergens may include mold, fungus, and chemicals released from paints and carpets.
Individuals react to allergens differently. Some just suffer from minor sneezing and itchy eyes. Others may have significant respiratory problems that can interfere with daily life.
Reducing the allergens circulating in your home is the most practical step a homeowner can take, and it is where your HVAC system does the most work.
Improve Air Quality With Better HVAC Filtration
Most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have built-in air filters designed to address basic indoor air quality issues. Standard filters can trap large particles, and with regular filter changes, this can improve your indoor air quality.
Homeowners who suffer from allergies may want to invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can trap very small particles, helping to clean the air further. Pet dander, dust, and small fibers from paper and clothing can be filtered out easily.
Air conditioners also dehumidify the indoor air, which discourages the growth of other allergens such as mold and fungus.
Consider Installing Air Purifiers
Many different kinds of air purification systems are available on the market today. Each has a different strength and purpose.
For instance, if you are concerned about bacteria and viruses, you may want to consider an ultraviolet (UV) air cleaner. These were originally used in hospitals and can also kill mold and pathogens. Smoke and odors, on the other hand, are best removed with activated carbon filters.
HEPA air purifiers work similarly to HEPA air filters used in HVAC systems. They work to filter dander, pollen, mold spores, and dust.
Another popular air cleaner is the ionic air purifier. These force allergens such as dust to become heavier by attaching negative ions to them. Allergens then accumulate on carpets and surfaces to be cleaned up.
Some more advanced systems may include a static electricity, HEPA filter, and ionic purifier in a single unit that works with your HVAC system.
Clean Air Ducts to Remove Allergens
Air ducts carry your heated or cooled air throughout your home from your central HVAC system. Often, common allergens such as dust, dirt, dander, and other debris can build up in your duct system. Over time, these allergens may be transported to the living areas of your home.
Our team offers professional duct cleaning, using high-powered vacuum equipment to pull that buildup out of your duct system rather than pushing it back into your living space. We can also inspect your air ducts for leaks while we are there, since unsealed ducts pull in dust from attics and crawl spaces faster than any filter can remove it.
Contact Us Today About Your Indoor Air Quality
Our professionals at Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical in Strongsville, OH, can help you find ways to reduce allergens in your home through different indoor air quality solutions. Call us at 330-723-4104 or request service online to speak to one of our knowledgeable team members today.
