We often complain about air pollution in the streets. After all, the exhaust fumes expelled by cars and trucks are clearly visible. We have all experienced what it is like to have difficulties breathing after these offending vehicles have passed us by. The dark smoke coming out of factories are also as clear as daylight. What we don’t realize is that air pollution is not limited to the outdoors in urban areas. The air we breathe inside our homes can be filled with large quantities of unwanted particles as well. The following as just some of ways in which we can improve indoor air quality:
Air Filters
The dust outside can get inside if our HVAC system is not well-maintained. Air filters are there to block dust but this can get dirty pretty quickly, especially in dry weather. They should be replaced every few months as recommended by the manufacturer, or even more frequently if necessary. Make it a point to have periodic inspections and do what must be done, even if you are a bit ahead of schedule. New filters will also help the system run more efficiently. This will mean less energy consumption and lower electricity bills. It definitely pays to be proactive when it comes to your air conditioner’s filtration system.
UV Light Sticks2
Another thing that home owners can do is to install ultraviolet light sources inside their HVAC system. Various strategic points can be equipped with these lights to zap mold and bacteria as these pass through. UV rays tend to have a bad reputation since they can have unwanted side effects on humans and objects with prolonged exposure, but they can actually be useful if harnessed in the right way. They are particularly effective for disinfection. They don’t even need to have contact with the problematic organisms. Just a quick exposure can be enough to kill germs and bacteria, in effect cleaning the air before this gets circulated in the rooms.
Preventive Measures
Lastly, home owners should pursue preventive measures so that mold and bacteria growth can be minimized. One key factor in their spread is the presence of excessive moisture. Finding the sources and fixing them would be a great first step. For example, there may be leaks in the kitchen, in the bathroom, or on the roof. These are helping mold to thrive and spread around the house. Once they have been resolved, there will be less worries about respiratory ailments. Eliminate standing water as well. If excessive moisture is a perennial problem, then the use of a dehumidifier might be warranted.