Indoor air quality refers to the amount of fresh air circulation and quantities of pollutants present in the air inside a building. Many residents are not aware that the air inside their homes is often many times more polluted than exterior air, due to concentrated levels of pollutants that are not sufficiently flushed from the air. The ability of an HVAC system to filter the indoor pollutants and provide proper air circulation is a primary factor in the health and well-being of the occupants.
For example, if a house is well “sealed” from the exterior, as homes increasingly are these days, fresh air does not have an easy way to enter the space. Because most residential HVAC systems do not directly introduce fresh outdoor air into the home, air typically must enter through doors and windows, and through leakage through cracks and joints. During hot summer months when air conditioning systems are running continuously, and conversely in cold winters when the house is closed up to keep warmth inside, reduced ventilation can pose a problem to indoor air quality.
To ensure proper ventilation and to flush indoor contaminants from your home, follow these steps to improve the indoor air quality:
- Reduce the exposure of polluting sources such as aerosol sprays, chemicals used in cleaning, and paints by using them outdoors.
- Increase air circulation by running attic vent fans and exhaust fans in restrooms and kitchens.
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits.
- Use filters with high MERV ratings. For home use MERV 7-13 filters work reasonably well to rid your home of pollutants while not impeding air flow.
- Purchase an air filtration system or air cleaning system.
- Keep shoes and other articles of clothing and belongings that carry dirt and outdoor pollutants contained in mud rooms or entryways.
- Invest in an HVAC system with direct mechanical ventilation.
- Keep smoking and other direct pollutants outdoors and at least 15 feet way from vents, windows and doors.
To learn more about ways to improve indoor air quality and air circulation in your Dayton area home, please contact Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about increasing air circulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
