Install and/or replace clogged air filters
Not only do clean air filters help to keep your HVAC system operating as efficiently as possible, they’re also your first line of defense against unhealthy air contaminants circulating throughout your home.
Whether you’re concerned about inhaling wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, or common household allergens such as pet dander, hair, dust, odors, and more, installing or replacing your air filters will help your family breathe cleaner quality air.
Standard air filters often need to be replaced about three months or so, while more advanced filters only need to be replaced about once a year. Depending on your air quality concerns and budget, the experts at Elevated Air can help you choose the right air filter for your home’s HVAC system.
Have your air ducts cleaned
With newer construction methods allowing for Montana homes to be increasingly energy-efficient and airtight, an unintended consequence is how they can actually trap more airborne particles inside them.
For this reason, in addition to installing or replacing air filters, you should also have your air ducts inspected regularly. Why? Because your air ducts are how the air gets circulated in your home, and if you have a buildup of dust, mold, pollen, or other common contaminants, you could be breathing in severely poor air— and not even know it.
Maintain a well-ventilated home
While it may seem counterintuitive, providing fresh air into your duct system will combat poor indoor air quality. Essentially, it’s important to let your home “breathe” by letting in fresh air and sending musty air out.
According to the EPA, proper ventilation can actually dilute your indoor air contaminants.
And with clean air filters installed, your HVAC system will be able to trap any pollutants that may come in through the outside air.
Invest in an air purification system
The best way to improve your Montana home’s air quality is with an air purification system that will remove harmful pollutants from your home’s air.
Installing a UV lamp in tandem with your HVAC system is an excellent option for killing toxic bacterial growth before it has a chance to spread. These work particularly well for eliminating mold spores that can frequently happen during the summer months (all the more if you live near the beach and frequently experience the marine layer).
Another great option is an ionic air purifier, which emits charged ions to bond with air pollutants, causing them to gain weight and then fall into a collection plate. Some can even dissolve toxic pollutants, eliminating them from your air completely. Depending on your budget, there are a number of ionic air purifiers on the market, including portable and whole-home versions.
