Indoor air pollutants are often three to five times more concentrated than outdoor contaminants. It’s even more concerning when you consider that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. That number can be even higher during the wintertime. Let’s explore how pollutants accumulate and what you can do about them.
How Pollutants Build Up: Ambient Air Pollution
There are many sources of ambient air pollution, including the traffic outside your door and factories in neighboring towns. Such pollution is often elevated in the winter due to temperature inversion, which traps pollutants near the ground. That makes it much easier for outside pollution to enter your home. The other issue is that many modern homes have little natural or mechanical ventilation. This can create a vacuum that sucks pollutants into the home, such as when doors open, but provides little opportunity for them to exit.
How Pollutants Build Up: Indoor Pollution Sources
That said, the biggest impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) occurs due to indoor pollution sources. Poorly maintained HVAC equipment can undermine IAQ. Households also introduce their own pollutants through chemical cleaners, artificial deodorizers, overwatered plants, and so forth.
Solution: HVAC Maintenance
Annually, schedule a heating tune-up in the fall before you need home heating. That service will include a multipoint inspection, comprehensive cleaning, and correction of wear and tear. If you have a central system, your ducts may leak as they get older. Every several years, schedule a duct camera inspection and perform duct repairs as needed. Use a high-MERV HVAC filter, according to your system specifications. Check it regularly, and replace it as needed.
Solution: Regular Dusting and Vacuuming
Dust is among the most significant contributors to poor IAQ. It absorbs pollutants, extends their lifespans, and continues to emit them into your air over time. Perform a deep dusting of your home at least once a week. Dust rooms from top to bottom using a microfiber cloth or duster. Pay particular attention to dust traps, such as knickknack shelves. After dusting a room, vacuum using a machine with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The HEPA filter or bag will ensure you trap the dust rather than recirculate it.
Solution: Air Purification
While your HVAC system’s filter provides some air purification, it’s limited. For active, around-the-clock protection, experts recommend a whole-house air purifier. Many air purifiers have multiple stages to improve your IAQ.
Mechanical Filtration
Mechanical filtration is what traps dust and other particulate matter, such as pollen and pet dander. Many air purifiers have HEPA filters that trap over 99% of particulates.
Activated Carbon
Air purifiers commonly have activated carbon, a manufactured form of the substance. Its extensive surface area allows it to adsorb many impurities. Activated carbon provides excellent odor control, and it neutralizes gases and airborne chemicals.
Ultraviolet Light
An in-duct ultraviolet light (UV) will neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. While there are air purifiers with UV stages, standalone lamps are generally better. They benefit from the slower-moving air in the ducts due to the longer exposure time.
Solution: Humidity Control
Relative humidity (RH) is another important factor in IAQ. RH is the measure of airborne water vapor within the context of temperature. The air is naturally drier in winter, which you can exacerbate by running a fuel-fired furnace. Health experts recommend an RH of at least 30% in winter and ideally 40% to 50%. If you can’t achieve that range naturally, consider installing a whole-house humidifier. It will improve your respiratory health and make you less prone to the irritants that are present.
Solution: Improved Circulation and Ventilation
Better circulation can prevent pollutant accumulation in particular areas. You can augment your home’s circulation through ceiling fans and air circulators. For improved ventilation, consider a mechanical ventilator. There are advanced systems that can preheat the air so that you can run them throughout the winter.
IAQ Solutions for Fulton County and the Surrounding Areas
Fraas Heating & Cooling in Archibald, OH provides seasonal maintenance for all heating systems, and we can repair your ducts. We also install and service air purifiers, germicidal lights, humidifiers, ventilators, and more. To schedule a service appointment or installation consultation, call today or contact us online.
