Exploring Solutions to Indoor Air Quality Problems

The average person spends a significant amount of their time inside their home, indicating the importance of good indoor air quality in Annapolis. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, such as sinus congestion, fatigue, headaches, coughing, and sneezing. There are several solutions available for improving your indoor air quality.

Air Duct Cleaning

When contaminants accumulate in your home’s air ducts, it can have a significant impact on the quality of your indoor air. Sometimes, dirt and dust can become airborne and then circulate throughout your home. However, even if the dust only adheres to the duct walls, the debris creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners have their air ducts regularly inspected by a professional HVAC technician. During an inspection, your contractor will check your air ducts for signs of dirt, dust, mold, and other contaminants. Duct cleaning may alleviate symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality, such as allergies and asthma. We do not do air duct cleaning but we are happy to recommend a professional to clean your air ducts.

Home Humidifiers

Maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home is an essential step in preserving good indoor air quality. According to the EPA, your home’s humidity levels should stay between 30 and 60 percent. This is because low indoor humidity can promote respiratory illnesses, increased ozone production, and the growth of viruses. To help manage your home’s humidity, you can upgrade to a thermostat that measures air moisture or purchase a standalone humidity monitor. Both portable and whole-home humidifiers can help increase your indoor humidity levels to improve your air quality.

HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system’s air filters play a vital role in keeping your indoor air clean. These filters should be cleaned or replaced once per month to ensure their ability to collect airborne particles and pathogens. Additionally, upgrading your air filter can help increase your indoor air quality. Air filters are labeled with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) that describes the size of the particles that they can trap. The MERV scale runs 1 through 16, with higher values indicating a better ability to clean your home’s air.