While smog may not be a major concern around Elyria and Oberlin, we still have plenty of air contaminants to contend with. Improving indoor air quality by controlling these contaminants will make your home a more comfortable and healthier place to live.
Freshen Your Living Spaces
Many household products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm your health. Start improving indoor air quality by avoiding air fresheners. If you have lingering odors, you may need better ventilation. Store paint, pesticides, strong cleaning products and other chemicals outside your home. When redecorating, choose low-VOC paint, carpeting and furniture.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors as recommended. Test for this dangerous gas using passive CO detector strips, and check for radon using a test kit available from the Ohio Department of Health. Alternatively, a HVAC technician can test your home for these harmful gases.
Use allergy-proof covers on your mattress and pillows, and wash your bedding weekly in 130-degree water. If you have seasonal allergies, set up a portable air cleaner in your bedroom, even if you already use a high-efficiency air filter or whole-house air cleaner.
Enjoy a Healthier Kitchen and Bath
To control the humidity that supports mold and dust mites, repair any leaky pipes or faucets and run your exhaust fans for 10 minutes after cooking or showering. Wipe the shower or tub dry after use. Scrub moldy spots clean with a 5-percent bleach solution to prevent the mold from spreading.
Keep food in sealed containers, clean up immediately after food preparation and meals, and remove trash daily to avoid attracting pests, as they can leave debris that contaminates your air.
Clean wood and vinyl flooring weekly with a microfiber mop or your vacuum’s hard floor attachment. To prevent mold growth in the basement, remove any water-damaged carpet, even if it’s dry, and either leave the floor bare or install vinyl flooring. Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors, not into the basement.
For professional guidance on improving indoor air quality, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning in the Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area