Are you aware that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental dangers? We don’t often think about the air that we breathe when we are in our own homes. However, as an HVAC contractor in Grand Rapids, MN, we spend a lot of time in our clients’ homes. For everyone’s benefit, it’s worth investigating how we can make the air at your house the cleanest, freshest and healthiest it can be.
Clean Your Home with Non-Toxic Products
Many household cleaning products do the job of killing the bacteria and germs, but also release toxins into the air that could make you just as sick. Some cleaning products are made with petroleum, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene and other harmful chemicals. Many professional house cleaners recommend using products that will not contaminate your air and are safe to breathe. They suggest using “fragrance-free” and organic products for laundry and cleaning and to avoid aerosol sprays. To remove unpleasant odors, use natural solutions such as baking soda.
Let Mother Nature Clean the Air
Why not bring a little of the outdoors inside? Houseplants are a fantastic way to purify the air inside your home. They provide fresh oxygen while taking out carbon dioxide and impurities. While we recommend choosing a plant that fits your style and personality and offers ease of care, it is important to note that not all plants are created equal in purifying the air. Near the top of the list of air purifying plants is the English ivy. The rubber plant and the bamboo palm are also high on the list.
Change the Air Filters in Your HVAC System
There is a reason we often ask how long it has been since you have changed the air filter in your furnace. Not only does changing the filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications affect the efficiency of your HVAC system, it also affects the very air that you breathe. Your system is pushing 1,000 cubic feet of air each minute through that filter. A dirty filter actually could be making the air in your home worse. Make sure that you have a quality, pleated fabric filter that is changed regularly.
Vacuum Regularly
Have you ever considered why mom always told you to vacuum? Vacuuming using a cleaner with a HEPA filter on a weekly basis removes not only dirt, but also dust mites and allergens that are harmful to breathe. Fabrics such as curtains, bedding, couches and upholstered chairs should be vacuumed and cleaned regularly so that those microscopic offenders won’t stay put.
Have a Trusted HVAC Technician Check Your Home Regularly
Your HVAC system is probably the most important factor impacting the breathability of the air in your home. It’s essential that you have this checked by a professional. If you are concerned about any airborne problems in your home, contact a trusted HVAC contractor in Grand Rapids, MN to conduct an air quality test to determine what type of issues you may be facing and what can be done about them.
Your Clean Air Partners
Clean air is not a luxury. It’s a requirement to keep your body healthy. Work with only the best to make sure that your home has the cleanest, most breathable air for you and your family. Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. is ready to be your partner for fresh, clean indoor air. Contact us today to see how we can help.