How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During the Hot Summer Months

As summer temperatures rise, so does the need for maintaining good indoor air quality. Poor air quality can affect your health, comfort, and overall well-being. For Jameson Heating & Air, ensuring that our customers breathe clean, fresh air is a top priority. Here’s a guide to help you improve indoor air quality during the hot summer months.

Use Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. They work by removing contaminants from the air, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and even some bacteria and viruses. When choosing an air purifier, look for one with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. HEPA filters are highly effective at trapping small particles, ensuring cleaner air in your home.

Place air purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living areas. For maximum effectiveness, remember to replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Change HVAC Filters Regularly

Your HVAC system's filters play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other particles, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to poor air quality. During the summer, when your HVAC system is likely running more frequently, it’s especially important to change the filters regularly.

As a general rule, check your filters every month and replace them at least every three months. If you have pets or live in an area with high pollen levels, you may need to change them more frequently. Clean filters not only improve air quality but also help your HVAC system run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.

Control Humidity Levels

High humidity levels can make your home feel uncomfortable and create an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth, which can significantly impact indoor air quality. To keep humidity levels in check, use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable.

Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Many HVAC systems have built-in dehumidification features, or you can purchase a standalone dehumidifier for specific areas of your home.

Ventilate Your Home

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining good indoor air quality. During the summer, it can be challenging to ventilate your home without letting in hot air, but it’s essential to let fresh air circulate. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants. If weather permits, open windows and doors during cooler parts of the day to allow fresh air to flow through your home.

Additionally, consider installing an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). These systems provide continuous ventilation while minimizing energy loss by exchanging the stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

Keep Your Home Clean

Regular cleaning can significantly improve indoor air quality. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and clean floors frequently to reduce the buildup of dust and allergens. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that you’re not just redistributing dust into the air. Wash bedding, curtains, and other fabrics regularly, as these can harbor allergens.

Reduce Indoor Pollutants

Be mindful of the products you use in your home. Many household cleaners, paints, and even some furniture can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Opt for natural or low-VOC products whenever possible. Additionally, avoid smoking indoors and use cooking vents to remove smoke and odors from the kitchen.

Improving indoor air quality during the hot summer months doesn’t have to be complicated. By using air purifiers, regularly changing HVAC filters, controlling humidity levels, ventilating your home, keeping your living spaces clean, and reducing indoor pollutants, you can create a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family.

For more tips and professional assistance with your HVAC needs, contact Jameson Heating & Air today!