How to Improve Your Home Air Quality
Your home should be a place of refuge, not a place where you’re exposed to indoor pollutants and allergens. Fortunately, we are an HVAC and building performance company based in Vancouver, WA, and understands the importance of your home’s air quality. We have been in business more than 70 years and are eager to share our expertise. Here, we’ll discuss ways to improve and maintain your home’s air quality.
One point to remember is that mold tends to grow in areas of moisture. Mold poses health risks for even the healthiest individuals. A 2004 report by the Institute of Medicine, titled Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, found that indoor dampness causes both mold and bacteria to fester. This can cause serious health problems. Asthmatic symptoms in people with asthma and upper respiratory tract problems were just a few of the health effects cited by the report. The study also concluded that the best way to contain indoor mold growth is by controlling the moisture in your home.
To avoid mold and other allergens, keep humidity levels in your home at 30% to 50%. A dehumidifier will work wonders by reducing moisture levels and keeping your home free of allergens. An air conditioner will also keep you cool during hot summer months while reducing your home’s pollen count as well. As HVAC specialists in Vancouver, WA, Entek will help you determine the best cooling options to serve your needs and fit your budget.
Apart from dust, pollen, and other allergens that often make their way into homes, radon is another cause for concern. Many modern homes are outfitted with granite countertops, which have been linked to radon. However, older homes are susceptible to this radioactive gas as well. Radon is particularly dangerous because it raises your risk of lung cancer.
Depending on where you reside, your neighborhood’s radon levels could be particularly high. If you live in the Portland metropolitan area, take a look at our map to see if your zip code has an increased risk for radon. If you live in a red zone on the map, please contact Entek for information about testing and containment. We’ll help assess your risk and let you know what can be done to minimize your exposure to this harmful gas.
Another way to ensure the integrity of your home’s air quality is through regular repair and maintenance of the air ducts in your HVAC system. Leaky air ducts can increase your home’s energy costs, but they can also increase your risk of harmful health effects. Your Vancouver, WA HVAC specialists are experts in sealing and cleaning air ducts to eliminate any harmful debris. We use the AEROSEAL system, which has a cost savings of $600 to $850 for the average residence in the first year alone. As a family-owned, full-service HVAC company located in Vancouver, WA for more than seven decades, we have built a reputation as leading duct sealing experts.
In addition to being duct sealing experts, we also specialize in duct cleaning services. Like air duct sealing, our cleaning services can improve your indoor air quality while also helping you save on utility costs. We are able to remove decades worth of accumulated pet odors, hair, and other allergens so that you will breathe much easier in the comfort of your home.
Remember, source control can also be a great and immediate way to improve your home’s air quality. By controlling or eliminating the source of the issue, you will enhance the air quality in your home. For instance, if there are smokers in your home, suggest that they smoke outside. Keep all areas of your home dry and clean. Properly ventilate your home whenever a pollutant, such as paint thinner, is in use by opening a window or using an exhaust fan. Do the same when you’re taking a shower to prevent mold growth. Place a doormat at the entrance of your home so you’ll avoid tracking dirt and other contaminants into your house.
There are also certain accessories that you can invest in which will help you improve your home’s air quality. For example, there are many different types of residential air cleaners on the market. In order to help assess which air cleaner will work best, the Environmental Protection Agency has a comprehensive resource available. You can also purchase an indoor air quality monitor. Many of these devices are relatively inexpensive and they will track any pollutants or contaminants that enter your home. They also monitor humidity levels so you can optimize your indoor air quality.
Since most people spend about 90% of their time indoors, it’s important to take great care in your home’s air quality. Indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks and minimizing your exposure to it should be a top priority.
As your Vancouver, WA, HVAC specialists, Entek is here to help. We’re able to reduce your utility costs, increase your energy efficiency, and improve your overall health by reducing dust, allergens, and airborne contaminants. Small lifestyle changes combined with expert advice and professional service will have you breathing easier in no time at all.
