3 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
In this day and age, most new homes are well-insulated. This is generally a good thing—it prevents heat from easily escaping, keeping your utility bills low.
However, a tightly sealed home can also suffer from ventilation issues. That presents a challenge in some households, where pollutants can be up to five times more concentrated indoors than outside, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
At Carrier Colorado, our factory-authorized dealers take a balanced approach to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We know indoor air quality (IAQ) is an integral part of home comfort.
For that reason, our specialists educate customers on best practices and offer technology that improves indoor air. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Let us put you in touch with an expert in your area today to discuss options for your Colorado home.
1. Change Your Air Filter
A clean HVAC filter works hard to keep your air healthy. It traps harmful airborne contaminants, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. This can improve allergy and asthma symptoms. It also protects the inner parts of your air conditioner (AC), furnace, heat pump, or ductless units from getting dirty, prolonging their lifespan.
However, a dirty filter can’t properly clean your air. It can also produce a myriad of problems for your HVAC equipment. For these reasons, Carrier Colorado recommends changing your air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. Ventilate Your Kitchen
There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. Unfortunately, cooking can be a big contributor to indoor pollution. Without proper ventilation, the smoke has nowhere to go. Grease and bacteria will accumulate on surfaces. Additionally, it produces excess moisture, which can cause mildew and mold growth in your home.
If you have a range hood, be sure to run it every time you cook with your stovetop or oven. If not, open windows or incorporate fans.
3. Add IAQ Technology to your Home
Carrier offers many products that foster healthy indoor air in your home. Talk to your local HVAC expert to determine the best solution for your living environment.
- Air Purifiers
Carrier air purifiers go the extra mile by filtering out the smallest particles and deactivating harmful airborne germs in your home. They incorporate Captures & Kills® technology that removes 99 percent of select viruses and bacteria.
You can purchase a whole-home model that interacts with your current HVAC system. Another solution is Carrier UV air purifiers, which kill bacteria and mold that grow on your HVAC unit’s indoor coils.
- Ventilators
There’s nothing like fresh air. Ventilators naturally ventilate your home by replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This also helps save energy and cuts out work for your HVAC equipment, helping to extend its lifespan.
- Whole Home Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Ideally, your indoor humidity should be between 30 to 50 percent. You can measure your home’s humidity with a relatively inexpensive tool called a hygrometer.
Excess humidity causes your home to feel stuffy and can lead to mildew and mold growth. Lack of sufficient humidity can worsen respiratory symptoms and dry skin. If your home has humidity issues, consider a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier. They work with your forced-air system to provide balanced humidity in every part of your household.
Find a Factory-Authorized Dealer in Your Area Today.
Carrier Colorado is a network of only the most qualified HVAC specialists in the state. Call today at 303-479-4813 or find a dealer online.