4 Important Innovations to Give Your Family Clean Air

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you understand the importance of clean air. And you certainly realize when you visit a home with poor air quality. Dust and other pollutants can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, causing sneezing, coughing, aching, or, at the very least, a miserable day. But, is the air in your own home as clean as you think? Here are a few things to consider when you're trying to make sure your home has the cleanest and freshest air for your family.  

Track Your Air Quality

The first step when determining the cleanliness of your home is to track its air quality. One option is to use a desktop air quality monitor to measure your home's carbon dioxide levels, humidity, ventilation, and temperature. Keep up-to-date readings to determine when your home is most exposed to pollutants, which can help determine the main culprit. 

It's also important to track your area's air quality. You can look up accurate readings of your hometown's air quality, which the Environmental Protection Agency measures using the Air Quality Index (AQI). Anything over 100 is considered unhealthy. If levels reach over 200, you should limit your outdoor activity, especially if you have compromised health. 

Prevent Pollutants From Entering Your Home

Image via Flickr by Kazuko Oguma 

Arguably the best way to have good air quality is to not let it become contaminated in the first place. Try to determine the source of your home's contaminants and keep them from entering your home. Seal windows and doors properly. Keep the air's humidity level low. Avoid things that collect dust easily, such as wall-to-wall carpeting or upholstered furniture. Also, clean and dust your home regularly. It's impossible to keep dust and pollutants out completely, but routine cleaning can limit their effects. 

Choose Low-VOC Components

Different factors can contribute to indoor air pollution. Outside of common allergens such as pollen and pet dander, the materials in your home can lower your air's quality. Common culprits include volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as chemicals that evaporate and pollute your air. You can find VOCs in different types of flooring, adhesives, composite wood, and more. Be sure your home utilizes low-VOC-emitting materials. 

Get Professional Help

To improve your home's air quality, contact an HVAC professional to help determine the source of your indoor air pollution and the best measures to treat it. Your home might benefit from air cleaners and purifiers, dehumidifiers, air duct cleaning, or a simple lifestyle change. Plus, once you've addressed your home's issues, you can set up a regular service schedule with a licensed professional — something homeowners often overlook.

It's easy to say, "It's just the season" when allergies strike. However, you don't have to live with a tissue box in hand. By cleaning and treating your home properly, you can improve its air quality, your health, and your family's way of life. You can take simple and inexpensive measures to be sure you're living the best, and freshest life possible.