Good indoor air quality (IAQ) contributes significantly to good health, and minimizing pollutants is the best way to achieve better IAQ. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air ranks among the worst environmental hazards that people encounter. It’s not difficult to improve by:

• Avoidance — Many products used in homes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pose health hazards. Many cleaning and home improvement products, candles, cosmetics, and anything that contains perfumes emit VOCs. Look for low-VOC or clean air labels and cleaners that aren’t perfumed. Keep swimming pool chemicals and paints and finishes tightly covered and out of your home’s livable areas.
• Maintenance — Change the air filter for your HVAC system whenever it’s covered with dust to lower the particulate load indoors. It’s also important to have it professionally serviced at least annually to prevent dust or mold from building inside the system, including the ductwork. The HVAC professional will also look for mechanical issues with combustion furnaces that could emit carbon monoxide (CO) into your home’s air that could include combustion problems, leaking ductwork, or a blocked flue or chimney.
• Control — Keeping dust to a minimum helps control particulate levels, particularly from dust mite waste, one of the most common allergens found in homes. Use a HEPA-style vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum hard surfaces instead of sweeping to lower pet dander, pollen and dust mite waste distribution. Wash bedding in hot water weekly and dry on the hottest setting.
• Ventilation — Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove odors and excess humidity. If your home is tightly constructed, you may need a fresh air ventilation system to reduce airborne pollutants. An energy recovery or heat recovery ventilation system can freshen the air without increasing heating or cooling bills. These devices use heat exchange technology to minimize energy consumption.

Achieving better IAQ by managing pollutants will enhance your family’s overall health, and it’s easy to do by avoiding polluting products and maintaining your HVAC system. To learn more, contact Powers Heating & Air, providing trusted HVAC services for Fayette & Coweta County Georgia customers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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