6 Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home this Fall

When most people think of home, they think of a certain smell – whether it’s cookies baking or a fresh load of laundry. During the fall season, you might even think of spicy cinnamon brooms or the scent of fresh pumpkin pie. But did you know that, in addition to these sweet scents of home, you may also be breathing in pollutants, such as dirt, dust or even mildew? While a little air pollution is normal, when left unchecked, these particles can irritate your lungs (not to mention build up in your HVAC system). Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to improve the air quality in your home this fall. Here are six ideas to get you started.

1. Keep your floors clean.

Did you know that dirt, dust mites and pet dander are stirred up every time you walk on your floors? Unfortunately, these common pollutants hide in your carpeting and are released back into the air when disturbed. To prevent these pesky pollutants from affecting the air quality in your home, it’s important to vacuum your floors often and get your floors professionally cleaned once every year.

2. Change your air filter frequently.

“I just changed my air filter last month… or was it the month before?” If this sounds familiar, it might be time to check your air filter. Many experts recommend inspecting your air filter, and replacing it, if necessary, every 30 – 60 days. You should do this even more often if you have pets, or anyone living in your home with allergies.

3. Keep humidity under control.

It’s not pleasant for it to feel overly humid indoors, and it’s not good for the air quality in your home, either. While things are just starting to cool down here in North Florida, humidity in the air is still lingering. When your home is too damp, pollutants such as dust mutes, bacteria, fungi and even viruses can thrive. If you notice signs of excessive humidity, try keeping rooms well-ventilated, purchasing a small dehumidifier or calling in the experts for an inspection.

4. Pay attention to pet dander.

Furry friends are an important part of many homes – but they, too, can have a negative impact on the air quality. To prevent pet fur and dander from affecting the air quality in your home, keep dogs and cats well-groomed and sweep or vacuum your floors frequently.

5. Cut back on artificial fragrances.

‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice and other delicious fall scents, but too much artificial fragrance can negatively impact the air quality in your home. Many people find that heavily scented products cause respiratory irritation. To improve indoor air quality, try to cut back on artificially scented products, including room sprays and scented candles. Natural essential oils are a great alternative for a sweet-smelling home.

6. Keep up with annual HVAC maintenance.

Your HVAC system should be the first line of defense when it comes to the air quality in your home. If it’s functioning properly, it serves to filter out pollutants and regulate levels of humidity. Scheduling annual maintenance is the best way to ensure your system is doing what it needs to do to keep you and your family breathing easy.

If regular HVAC maintenance keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list, Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning can help. Our Total Comfort Service Program is designed to make annual maintenance a breeze – so you can focus on more important things this fall (like trying to decide whether or not you actually enjoy candy corn). Give us a call today at 850.580.4029 or click here to get started!