Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As we approach the winter season, ensuring your home is warm enough is undoubtedly at the top of your mind. Equally important, though, is the quality of the air indoors—keeping warm while breathing clean and healthy air must go hand in hand. Let’s explore how to efficiently heat your space and maintain healthy indoor air quality so you’ll have peace of mind that your family is comfortable and protected inside your home.

Proper Ventilation
During winter, homes are sealed tight to conserve heat, which can result in the buildup of indoor pollutants. To reduce indoor air pollution, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, proper ventilation is crucial. You can also use ventilators to keep fresh air circulating and improve indoor air quality.

Regular Heating System Maintenance
If not properly and regularly maintained, your heating system can contribute to indoor air pollution. To ensure that it is in excellent condition and works without any issues, schedule routine inspections with a reliable and trusted HVAC service.

Optimal Humidity Level Maintenance
For both comfort and health, you must maintain the right humidity levels, which are between 30% and 50%. If they are too high, mold can grow, and dust mites can accumulate. If they are too low, the eyes and skin can get irritated, and respiratory problems can also occur.

Regular Cleaning
To minimize dust and allergens inside your home, it is essential to keep your space spotless. Various ways to maintain a dust-free living area are by vacuuming carpets and every nook and cranny, using a damp cloth to wipe surfaces, and washing bedding and curtains.

Houseplant Additions
Plants are natural air purifiers that absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making the air you breathe indoors cleaner and healthier. They also add charm and appeal to your space.

Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Evaluation Today
Turn to Bounds Heating & Air in Gainesville, Florida to have our specialists assess the air quality in your home and provide you with the right solution. We can assist you with something as simple as selecting the right filter for your HVAC system and even providing more intensive filtration and air quality management products. Contact us today to help you breathe cleaner, fresher air.

Types of Indoor Air Pollutants and How To Remove Them

An average American spends approximately 90% of their time indoors. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your indoor air quality for a healthier living environment. Studies indicate that indoor air pollution can be up to 70 times higher than outdoor pollution, making it one of the top environmental risks to our health.

As you read through this blog post, you will discover common indoor air pollutants. We also provide practical tips on removing them to improve air quality at home.

Asbestos
Asbestos is commonly found in roofing, insulation, heating system components, and vinyl floor tiles. Disturbing asbestos can release hazardous fibers into the air. It is important to leave suspected asbestos-containing materials untouched and consult trained professionals for their removal.
Biological Pollutants
These include dust mites, mold, animal dander, and other microorganisms. Controlling moisture levels and regular cleaning can help minimize these pollutants. Additionally, using air purifiers with HEPA filters or upgrading HVAC filters to MERV 13 or better can effectively remove biological pollutants.
Formaldehyde
Typically found in composite wood products, building materials, insulation, and household items, formaldehyde can off-gas over time. Opt for formaldehyde-free products and maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels to reduce the release of formaldehyde.
Pesticides
Minimize or, if possible, eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and consider non-chemical pest control methods. Upgrading HVAC filters to MERV 16 or better or using activated carbon air purifiers can help remove pesticide residues from the air.
Radon
Radon, an odorless and colorless gas, can seep into buildings from the ground. You can perform radon testing at home for extra precaution. Radon reduction systems, installed by qualified contractors, can effectively reduce radon levels.
Tobacco Smoke
Smoking indoors can lead to the accumulation of harmful chemicals and carcinogens, which pose serious health risks to both smokers and non-smokers. The best solution is to avoid smoking inside or around your home and ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces and fabrics.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs, found in various household products, can contribute to indoor air pollution. Choose products that emit fewer VOCs, increase ventilation when using VOC-emitting products, and consider using activated carbon air purifiers to remove VOCs from the air.
Enhance Your Indoor Air Quality Today
Improving your indoor air quality is vital to creating a healthy home environment. By understanding common indoor air pollutants and following the tips in this blog, you can take proactive steps to reduce their presence and improve air quality at home.

For expert guidance on HVAC systems and solutions to enhancing indoor air quality, trust Bounds Heating & Air. Contact us today, and let us help you achieve better air quality in your home!

Effective Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter

As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to pay attention to the air quality inside your homes and workplaces. The cold weather often leads to closed windows and doors, trapping pollutants and contaminants indoors. This can affect your breathing and overall health. Here are some practical tips from your trusted HVAC experts on how to improve indoor air quality during the winter months:

Keep Your Home Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness is crucial for improving indoor air quality in winter. Dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne pollutants tend to accumulate more in enclosed spaces during this season. Regular cleaning practices such as dusting, vacuuming, and mopping can help reduce these pollutants.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure proper filtration and prevent dust from being reintroduced into the air. It is also advisable to use non-toxic cleaning products to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the indoor environment.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a pivotal role in maintaining indoor air quality. Regular maintenance ensures that your system operates efficiently, preventing the buildup of dust, mold, and other contaminants. Change your air filters regularly, and schedule professional HVAC inspections to keep your system in top-notch condition.
Humidity Control
Winter air tends to be dry, and while it’s comforting to cozy up in a warm, heated home, excessive dryness can lead to irritated skin, respiratory issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. Consider investing in a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels (ideally between 30-50%). This not only enhances indoor air quality but also makes your home feel warmer at lower temperatures.
Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to reducing the buildup of airborne pollutants indoors. Signs of poor ventilation include condensation on walls or windows, moldy areas, and unpleasant odors. While it may be chilly outside, ventilation is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality. Open windows periodically to allow fresh air to circulate and expel pollutants.
Combatting Microbial Intruders with UV light
UV lights act as silent warriors against microbial invaders. These lights installed in your ductwork and are adept at sterilizing the air by targeting and neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may lurk within your HVAC system. This translates to a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of illnesses and respiratory issues.
Air Purifier
When you spend a lot of time in your home, you want to take steps to make it healthier. There are innovative products to help improve indoor air quality. Like the Carrier Infinity air purifier with an advanced filter that can capture and kill select viruses and bacteria.

Get Professional HVAC Services at Bounds Heating & Air

Maintaining good indoor air quality during the winter is essential for your health and well-being. Take the necessary steps to improve indoor air quality this winter and enjoy the benefits of clean and fresh air.

To improve your indoor air quality and ensure a healthy and comfortable environment in Gainesville, FL, reach out to us to learn more about our indoor air quality solutions. Our team of experts at Bounds Heating & Air are here to do everything it takes to combat your poor indoor air quality and help you breathe easier. Our indoor air quality specialists are here to assess your indoor air quality and install the perfect air quality solution for your family.

How To Keep the Best Indoor Air Quality at Home

Air conditioning systems work to supply your living spaces with the best indoor air quality. They give comfort to your loved ones regardless of the temperature outdoors. However, there are some factors that contribute to the poor air quality inside your house.

Common Indoor Pollutants

Poor indoor air quality is often a result of a combination of many factors. Poor ventilation, lack of circulation, unhealthy humidity levels, specific activities that take place within a home, building materials, and many other objects and circumstances can all culminate to seriously impact your indoor air quality.

Clean Your AC Regularly

Preventive maintenance is always about keeping your air-conditioning unit clean as it distributes cool air in your home spaces. To maintain the best indoor air quality, cleaning your air vents and filters should be a part of your regular housework. This will not only keep the pure and breathable air at home; it also saves you from expensive AC repairs caused by clogged air filters and AC malfunctions.

Ensure a Well-Ventilated Home

A well-ventilated home not only promotes good airflow; it also prevents moisture buildup. Proper ventilation allows fresh air to enter and, at the same time, makes it easier for your unit to take out the poor-quality indoor air.

Call HVAC Experts for Air Filter Installation

If you want to maintain pure indoor air quality at home, there are many devices that an HVAC expert can recommend to you according to your home’s specifications. Air purifiers, UV lamps, dehumidifiers, and ventilators are just some of what AC professionals from Bounds Heating & Air can offer as options. Don’t hesitate and contact our team for any indoor air quality services in Gainesville.

Tag: #IndoorAirQuality

Tips on Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality During Winter

Common Indoor Pollutants

Clean Your AC Regularly

Ensure a Well-Ventilated Home

Call HVAC Experts for Air Filter Installation