It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner! As you prepare to turn on your air conditioning system at home and swap out your space heater for a portable fan at the office, it’s time to start thinking about how staying cool in the warmer months can affect your air quality. From regular cleaning to maintaining your air systems to scheduling a professional duct cleaning, here are seven top tips for better indoor air quality this summer:
1. Maintain Proper Air Ventilation Throughout Your Home
On a hot summer day, keeping the windows closed in your home may keep the cool air inside, but at the same time, the air (along with irritating dust and bacteria) is getting trapped due to a lack of good air circulation.
It’s important to ensure your home or office has a reliable ventilation system that keeps the air circulating properly. It is also a good idea to invest in a good air purifier to assist in maintaining a healthy indoor environment for everyone!
2. Make an Appointment With Local Duct Cleaners
If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your ducts, it may be time to schedule an appointment. Allergens, pet dander, dust, and debris can collect inside your home ductwork, irritating sensitive noses. A full-service duct cleaning appointment by air quality experts will not only remove dust and dirt from your air ducts and home but also improve your home’s overall air quality.
3. Keep the Air From Getting Too Dry
Much like too much heat can cause desert-like dryness in your home, a constant force of cold air blowing through your home or workspace can also make the environment feel extra dry. This dryness can actually be a serious irritant, especially for people with allergies and various sensitivities to things like dust, mould, and pet dander.
Be sure to check the humidity level in your home or office and see that it stays within the 30-55% range through the summer months! You can also purchase portable humidifiers for your desk or in your bedroom if you are particularly sensitive to dry air.
4. Create a Downdraft With Your Ceiling Fan
Did you know that your ceiling fan is designed to create a different draft, whether it’s spinning one way or the other? In the summertime, it is recommended to switch your ceiling fan to move counter-clockwise, which creates an effective downdraft. This downdraft is what pushes the cold air downwards to maintain a cool breeze throughout the room. In the winter, you would spin your ceiling fan clockwise to move the warm air upwards for better circulation.
5. Clean Machines and Filters Regularly
If you are utilizing common indoor air quality machines like an air conditioner, air humidifier, air purifier, or even your ceiling fan, it’s very important to keep them clean and dust-free. The more you clean your machines and air filters, the better your indoor air quality will be while keeping cool in your home or office space this summer.
6. Freshen Up Your Space With Air-Purifying Plants
There has been a ton of research on whether or not certain plants can help boost indoor air quality, and while the reviews are mixed, it doesn’t hurt to liven up your home or office with a few common air-freshening plants like chrysanthemums, spider plants, bamboo palms or peace lilies.
When choosing your favourite air-purifying plant, be mindful of which types are toxic to your pets. If you are concerned that your pet has ingested a toxic plant, monitor their symptoms and call the emergency vet if symptoms persist.
7. Keep Your Home and Office Space Free of Dust and Dander
Even if you have a good air ventilation system in your home or at work, it is still beneficial to maintain a regular dusting routine in your space because the constant flow of air conditioning will push dust, dander, and bacteria back into your sinuses.
If you are using a portable air conditioning unit or have a/c built into your home, be sure to dust and sweep your home at least once a day to keep bacteria and other irritants at bay.
Maximize Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer With Full-Service Duct Cleaning in Edmonton
At Clean Air Solutions, our team is here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed in your environment while helping you save money on unnecessary electrical costs that may spike once summer heat is in full swing.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how clean air ducts can improve your indoor air quality and the additional air conditioning services we offer. At Clean Air Solutions, we will give you a complimentary quote for your home or business.
