Indoor air quality is a vital aspect of any healthy home or business.
Healthlink BC notes that between work, school and home life, people spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors. When the quality of that indoor air is poor, it can cause issues ranging from headaches and tiredness to worsening allergy or asthma symptoms.
What affects indoor air quality?
From chemicals in paint or glues to outdoor allergens and pollutants that arrive inside, a wide variety of contaminants can affect the quality of clean indoor air. In recent years, additional concern about the spread of COVID-19 has also raised awareness about the quality of the air we breathe, especially indoors where viruses are more easily spread.
Ventilation system upgrades or improvements can increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants – consult an experienced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional when considering changes to HVAC systems and equipment.
Other tips for protecting indoor air include:
- Increased ventilation can help remove pollutants from the home and bring in fresh air from outside – especially important when renovating or using chemical products in the home, notes Health Canada.
- Add a certified carbon monoxide detector, in addition to your smoke alarms, to detect this gas that cannot be seen, tasted or smelled.
- To prevent mould, keep humidity levels low, fix leaks and use the bathroom and kitchen fans, Health Canada advises.
- If you use air conditioners and dehumidifiers, clean and service them regularly according to manufacturer instructions. COIT Cleaning and Restoration Services in Nanaimo offers Air Duct Cleaning services that will remove dust and other contaminants from your air duct system to help you improve your indoor air quality.
- Fight dust mites in your home by maintaining humidity levels below 50 per cent, regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery (in between regularly scheduled professional carpet and upholstery cleanings), using dust mite-resistant coverings, and regularly washing bedding in very hot water. It’s also important to regularly clean your furnace and air conditioning filters, and replace as needed.
- Choose clothing that can be laundered at home; if you do visit a dry cleaner, choose one that offers eco-friendly cleaning.
- Choose urea formaldehyde-free building materials.
- Avoid pesticide use by learning about Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products in your home.
By paying attention to your indoor air quality, you’ll be taking a big step toward keeping your family’s home environment clean and healthy.
To learn more or schedule a FREE HVAC ESTIMATE call a COIT professional today! Book your free in-home HVAC estimate by calling COIT Cleaning and Restoration Services in Nanaimo at
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