When you’re outside in the summer heat and you come inside, you want to breathe in cool air, but you also want that air to be clean and pure. Clean and pure air is healthier to breathe, and improving air quality to make sure it is clean and pure is relatively easy. Here are some tips:
- Use a dehumidifier. Pests and allergens like mold and dust mites thrive in humidity, and can make life miserable for people with allergies or asthma. A dehumidifier can reduce the humidity and help control those pests. It is recommended to maintain a summer humidity level of 30% to 50%.
- Cleanliness. In addition to using a dehumidifier, regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery can reduce allergens, dust mites, etc.
- Groom your pet. Pets shed more in summer. Their dander can impact air quality and clog your AC filter. Grooming them regularly can reduce the amount they shed. Bonus: it will also make your pet more comfortable.
- Change your air filter. Every month if you have one inch filters; less frequently for thicker filters. Put reminders in your cell phone to make sure you don’t forget.
- UV lighting. Installing UV lighting to the interior ductwork can kill the mold and bacteria that thrive there.
- Open the windows. Obviously not when it is super hot out, but opening the windows when it is cooler will allow clean, fresh air to enter your home. Also use ceiling fans or attic fans to help circulate the air.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners. They will add impurities to the air you breathe; household items like lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar can clean and disinfect just as well.
- Don’t use air fresheners and artificial fragrances. They contain chemicals that can irritate your nasal packages and lungs. Natural sources like fresh flowers can add a pleasant fragrance without those chemicals.
- Plants. Keeping plants in the house can filter toxins and purify the air.
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