Cleaner Air

Some advice on getting cleaner air in your home:

• Change any air filters on your heating / cooling system monthly. Different brands of filters perform differently, use a premium brand that removes the largest amount of particulates from the air.
• Properly ventilate the home. Many homes (especially newer homes) are built tightly - air sits inside the home and is not exchanged with fresh air at the exterior. Install vent fans in the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room. If you have kids consider putting the bath fans on a timer so when the kids leave the bathroom after a bath / shower the fan continues to run, which will remove moisture from the air and keep any mold growth down.
• Have your oil furnace / boiler serviced annually, gas heaters serviced every two years. have the flues checked for proper operation (this is how carbon monoxide exits the home, keeping you safe). Have fireplace chimneys cleaned annually.
• Remove carpets where possible - they hold dust and moisture.
• Use air purifiers where needed. Have your heating / cooling contractor install a whole house system on your central air unit.
• Vacuum often. Consider buying a HEPA vacuum.
• Keep pets out of the bedrooms. Animal dander can cause allergies and trigger asthma. Thinking about getting a dog? Pick a breed that does not shed.
• Reduce moisture where possible. Moisture breeds mold and dust mites, both of which can cause allegic reactions. Do not over-humidify your home. Fix any water / plumbing leaks. Insulate plumbing pipes / well tanks in the basement so they do not drip (condensation) in humid weather. Make sure gutters are working properly - they divert water away from the foundation and basement.