As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
How Do I Keep Indoor Air Pure?
Jorge Alexander
Your indoor air quality will have a lot of different factors playing into it at any one time, but that doesn't mean that you can't be proactive about keeping indoor air clean.
Limit Outdoor Allergen Exposure
Outdoor allergens come in many forms, including pollen and animal dander that you come in contact with the outside of your home. You can limit these air quality issues fairly easily. For one, limit the amount of time you keep windows open during pollen season. When you come in contact with a lot of plants or animals, wash your clothes right away before wearing them around the house. And you may want to vacuum on a daily or weekly basis if you feel that you're tracking a lot of pollen, dirt, or other particles into your home.
Treat Mold Quickly
Another thing that quickly deteriorates air quality is mold issues. You can actually treat mold before it starts appearing on your walls. Especially in areas where mold tends to grow, such as basements or bathrooms, keep a dehumidifier and spray surfaces regularly for mold. If a mold issue gets to the point where you can actually see spots on the wall, call a specialist; the mold spores that get into your air may quickly spread throughout the house.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier is a great step to take on top of your central heating and cooling system; it provides a higher level of air purification to a specific site in your home where someone with air quality sensitivities spends most of their time.
Keep Heating and Cooling Systems Maintained
When you keep a well-oiled machine in terms of heating and cooling systems, you eliminate many of the problems that exacerbate an air quality issue. With air conditioners, one example is a drain pan that's overflowing and creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. With a furnace, dirty and clogged air filters are an issue when your filters are struggling to eliminate problem particles. Your heating contractor will know some of the places to look for air quality problems.
Clean Your HVAC
Along the same lines, a clean HVAC system will benefit you. Any dirt, mold spores, or pollen that is picked up in one room can get stuck in the ductwork of your HVAC system and/or be transported to other rooms and cause air quality problems there. Along with your routine heating and cooling inspection, it's a good idea to get HVAC ducts cleaned.
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