Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Some scents are synonymous with the seasons. Apples and cinnamon evoke thoughts of autumn; coconut brings us back to sunny days spent on the beach; a whiff of cranberries or pine transports us to winter and the holidays.

As for spring? The smell of freshly cut grass, the sweet fragrance of daffodils in bloom, and the inviting smell of a backyard barbeque are all part of your sensory perceptions.

Yet as pleasant as springtime air can be, it’s not always as clean and fresh as you might like. Pollutants, both in and outside our homes, can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. And yet small changes can greatly improve air quality. Here’s how:

• Check your car’s tire pressure and air filter regularly. And cut down on driving when you can; walking and bike-riding are both great ways to get a little exercise.

• Washing your clothes in cold water can reduce carbon dioxide emission by about 72 pounds per month! Plus, you’ll save a few buck on your electric bill. Want more savings? Line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
• Swap out chemical pesticides for eco-friendly lawn care products. Remember, anything that saturates into the ground can end up in our drinking water. Plus, these chemicals end up on the soles of your shoes which, in turn, is their ticket indoors.
• While you’re at it, skip the chemical-filled cleaning products and make your own all-natural versions with pantry staples like vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and more. For example, mix a 50-50 solution of distilled vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle for a tough glass and window cleaner.
• Don’t let visitors smoke inside your home and ask guests to remove their shoes at the front door.
• Run your air conditioner only when it’s necessary. That way, you’ll conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions, and cut down on cooling costs. Also, don’t forget to clean or replace the AC filter roughly once a month when in use.
• Have your heating and cooling systems inspected annually to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency.

That’s where we come in.  Annual heating and AC preventive maintenance are two of the most important and essential services we offer. In addition to providing cleaner air indoors and out, this service – which we recommend be performed annually – helps reduce repair frequency and costs while helping to extend equipment life. Contact us today to schedule service and save in more ways than one!