Tips for Dealing with Construction Pollution in Your Neighborhood
If you’ve recently purchased a new home and are living in a construction area, you’ve probably already experienced some noise pollution. The various sounds of a loud construction site can be a pain when it comes to finding quiet time or putting a baby down to nap. But noise pollution isn’t the only type of pollution you should have on your radar.
Various building materials, including metal, concrete, sheetrock, sand and various plastics can result in airborne pollution. Even if you’re not directly next to the construction, airborne pollution can travel long distances when carried by the wind. Exposure to these contaminants over long periods of time can cause respiratory issues, particularly for those with already sensitive lungs.
Thankfully, most construction pollution is visible to the eye. You can typically see a cloud of dust around construction sites, particularly if the building process involves cutting materials. If you live near a construction site and are concerned about the air quality in and around your home, here are a few things you can do to keep the air you breathe as clean (and particle free) as possible.
Keep Your Windows Closed
Watching construction progress can be fun, especially for young kids. Make sure you do so through the glass and not an open window. Propping open your windows is a sure-fire way to let air particles from a nearby construction site into your home. Closing your windows is an effective way to keep outdoor pollution outside.
Use a High-Quality Vacuum
What does your carpet have to do with airborne pollution? Unfortunately, dust, dirt and other airborne particles that settle into your carpet will eventually find their way back into the air. This goes for construction pollution, too. That’s why vacuuming frequently, and using a high-quality vacuum, is so important. Consider purchasing a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, particularly if anyone in your household has allergies.
Check Your Air Filter
Experts recommend changing your air filter every one to three months, but many people forget and replace it far less frequently. If you aren’t changing your air filter frequently enough, it can result in allergen buildup in your duct system. This is especially true if you live near a construction site and are concerned about construction pollution. It’s even more important to check your air filter every month if you have pets or if anyone in your household struggles with allergies. Check your air filter every 30 days, and replace it if it appears dirty or worn.
Don’t Skip That Annual Tune-Up
One of the main functions of your HVAC unit is to filter out the air you breathe every day. If you’re living near construction pollution, you want to make sure your HVAC is working properly so this can be accomplished. Not only can annual maintenance increase the efficiency of your unit by removing the buildup of dirt, dust and other debris, it can actually lengthen the life of the unit itself. That’s because a dirty heat pump has to work a lot harder than a clean one to heat and cool your home. Investing in maintenance now can save you a lot of money on costly repairs down the road.
Barineau Heating & Air Conditioning’s Total Comfort Service Program is designed to make annual maintenance a breeze. Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home near construction pollution or just want to keep your HVAC unit in the best possible shape, we have a plan that’s perfect for you. Plans start at just $109 per year. Click here or give us a call at 850.580.4029 to learn more.
