Poor indoor air quality in your Charlotte, North Carolina, home can cause allergy symptoms, eye irritation, headaches, fatigue and other health problems. Dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants can impact your HVAC system. They can shorten its lifespan, increase your utility bills and lead to expensive breakdowns. You can improve your indoor air quality by installing an air purifier, using natural cleaners, adding houseplants and maintaining your HVAC system.
Install a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Air purification is essential if you want to breathe clean and healthy air inside your home. The Trane CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner can remove up to 99.98% of airborne particles, including harmful bacteria and allergens. It’s up to 100 times more effective than the standard filter you use in your HVAC system.
Use Natural Cleaners and Air Fresheners
Commercial cleaners and air fresheners smell great, but they don’t get rid of bad smells permanently. Also, many brands contain volatile organic compounds, including VOCs like formaldehyde, acetone, toluene and benzene. These chemicals can cause cancer and other serious health problems.
Natural cleaners like baking soda are usually less expensive, and they often absorb odors better than commercial cleaners. You can also use potpourri, simmer cinnamon sticks on your stove or use essential oils to make your home smell great without risking your health.
Add Houseplants
According to NASA, houseplants help purify your indoor air by absorbing VOCs when they take in carbon dioxide. Bacteria in potting soil can increase your indoor air quality, too.
A few attractive plants will also improve your family’s mood. Remember to avoid poisonous plants if you have kids or pets. Don’t keep more than a few plants in each room because they can increase your home’s humidity.
Maintain Your HVAC System
You should change your HVAC system’s air filter once per month to keep contaminants from spreading through your home. Check your outdoor unit once per week, and clean it with a garden hose if you see grass clippings, leaves, twigs or other debris on top. To prevent problems, schedule an expert to inspect your HVAC system at least once per year.
Bradham Brothers, Inc. has decades of HVAC experience, and we can help you install, maintain, and repair a variety of heating and cooling equipment. Call us today for outstanding service.
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