The Hollies once sang a song about “The Air That I Breathe”, but what’s hiding in the air YOU breathe every day at home? If we could easily see all the dust particles, pollen, and dander that float through the air each day, it would probably be a terrifying sight to behold. Lucky for us, then, that we only have to see it when it all accumulates on our window sills and photo frames. Even so, that still means that these things are in the air we breathe. Those aren’t the only potential contaminants floating around, either. With increasingly common and vigorous wildfires, maintaining good air quality in Santa Rosa, CA homes has become more important than ever.So what can you do to take control of the air quality inside your house? When fires aren’t sending plumes of smoke over the countryside, you’ll still have to contend with the regular issues that can develop indoors. That’s why it’s important to explore all the ways you can rein in these issues and breathe a little easier. Take a minute to consider these five ways you can improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe every day.
Reduce the Amount of Dirt Tracked into the Home
Believe it or not, but our feet are one of the biggest sources of indoor airborne contaminants out there. That’s because we track in all kinds of things on our shoes — dirt, debris, and who knows what else? Ultimately, particles from that dirt will end up in the air. The more people come in and out of a home, the likelier it is to have an impact on air quality. Use coarse doormats to help trap dirt at the source, and encourage guests to remove their shoes at the door.
Vacuum Frequently and Keep Your Floors Clean
Flooring can be another major source of airborne particles. It’s the largest surface in any house, after all, and it’s where many things in the air will settle over time. Regular foot traffic stirs up these tiny particles, sending them into the air. To cut down on their presence, be sure to vacuum your home regularly each week. Consider more frequent vacuuming if your home has lots of carpet — the fibers are especially good at trapping and releasing dust, while also harboring mites. For better airquality in Santa Rosa, CA, regular upkeep and cleaning in the home is crucial.
Avoid Smoking and Don’t Use Heavy Air Fresheners
If good air is your goal, why would you do anything to negatively impact the quality yourself? That means don’t smoke cigarettes (or anything else, for that matter) inside the home. Tobacco smoke is not only harmful, but it’s also filled with particles that will seep into and stain many surfaces. At the same time, avoid other products that scent the air heavily, such as candles and misting air fresheners. Opt for natural scents instead, such as a lavender plant.
Use Duct Cleaning to Improve Air Quality in Your Santa Rosa, CA home
For homes that rely on central air throughout the year, it’s a fact of life that the ducts which carry that air will eventually grow dirty. What you can’t eliminate from the air with the AC’s air filter will ultimately settle into the ducts. Not only can this lead to a drop in air quality and a spike in allergic reactions, but it will also eventually impede the successful operation of your system. Contact a professional in duct cleaning to have an assessment performed on your home.
Minimize the Opportunity for Mold to Grow
Perhaps one of the biggest threats to health and comfort indoors, mold will severely degrade air quality and can cause physical symptoms. In very humid climates, use dehumidifiers or run the air conditioner to control the moisture level in your home. Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to dissipate steam as quickly as possible. By controlling the potential for mold growth, you can avoid this frustrating problem and continue to breathe easily. If you already see mold, contact a pro for mitigation services, or use a strong bleach solution to remove mold that has yet to penetrate drywall.With these tips in mind, you can take better control of the airquality in your SantaRosa, CA home. Don’t forget to change your HVAC filters on a regular basis, and if you suspect that dirty ducts are the cause of your air quality woes, a reputable service provider can help assess the need and offer service if necessary. Ultimately, air quality has a significant impact on our health and development — even though it can be hard to see the effects on a smaller time scale. In the long run, though, it’s worth taking the “big picture” view towards ensuring that the air you breathe is as clean and clear as possible.
So what can you do to take control of the air quality inside your house? When fires aren’t sending plumes of smoke over the countryside, you’ll still have to contend with the regular issues that can develop indoors. That’s why it’s important to explore all the ways you can rein in these issues and breathe a little easier. Take a minute to consider these five ways you can improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe every day.
