How Clean is the Air in Your Home?

Breathe easier with cleaner air.

Some impurities should be removed. Others can be encapsulated. Still others need ventilation to keep indoor air healthy. If you're not sure about the quality of your indoor air, here's what you should know.

There's No Definitive DIY Test for Air Quality

Although indoor air quality is important, there's no definitive way for the average homeowner to determine how clean, or how filthy, it really is. That's because there are so many different factors involved. Some impurities are particles that clog up your HVAC air filter. But some are gases that you can't see or smell.

The best route for determining your indoor air quality is with the help of an HVAC technician. He can perform air quality testing, identify pollutant sources and help devise a plan for getting rid of everything that you don't want in your air.

Your best friend could be contributing to poor air quality.

Your HVAC System Helps a Lot

One of the most important factors in removing air pollutants is filtering out bad particles and returning fresher air. That's part of the job that your HVAC system performs. When it's switched on, a powerful fan draws in air through a filter. From there, the air is cooled or heated, depending on the season, and it's sent back into the home through a network of ducts.

Your HVAC system can remove a lot of pollutants such as pet dander, pollen and dust. If you keep the filter clean or replace it on time, it will work more effectively, too. For homes where family members are more susceptible to pollutants, a HEPA filter might be a good choice. Check with your HVAC technician to be sure that a HEPA filter is safe to use with your system. Some of them restrict airflow too much.

Purifiers and Sanitizers Also Help

Forget about using a spray can of air sanitizer. If your air is really dirty, you might benefit from an air filtration system. Many of these appliances use a HEPA filter, and they work as a supplement to your HVAC system. Not only can they clean impurities from the air, they also help protect your other appliances and electronics from out buildup.

Germicidal UV lighting systems add another layer of air purification. They destroy germs and bacteria, which means you breathe in less of it. For allergy sufferers, germicidal UV lighting systems offer genuine help. And during cold and flu season, they also help your whole family stay healthier.

Without a professional assessment, the only real clues that you have about air quality are how quickly your HVAC filter needs replacement and whether anyone in the home suffers from allergies or frequent colds. But for determining the level and type of pollutants, you need a pro. That's especially true for issues such as cancer-causing radon, which you can't see or smell, and comparably hazardous asbestos, which is in many ceilings and floors.

Set up an appointment online today with Rodenhiser and learn more about indoor air quality and what you can do about it. We'll help you learn which issues are present, and help devise strategy for cleaner, fresher indoor air.