Indoor Air Quality Solutions Arlington

The indoor air in homes and offices can be polluted by many of the same substances as outdoor air. Common indoor air pollutants include: Dust and dust mites Pet dander Mold spores VOCs Inadequate ventilation can make these concentrations worse. Older buildings may also contain lead and asbestos, which can seriously affect indoor air quality and contribute to other health problems. Some indoor air quality problems are caused by biological materials such as mold. Regular maintenance of the building and frequent cleaning can help keep dust and mold under control.

Arlington's seasonal shifts, with their sultry summers and frigid winters, can dramatically affect indoor air quality. Allergen counts tend to go way up in our summer, thanks to all that plant life, and our high pollen counts—as well as the excessive heat, which tends to drive more plants into overdrive—that pesky (and dangerous) top-of-the-lungs air quality issue tends to be much worse in our summer. Then the acoustics of the air change—more dead air—thanks to the heating systems we use, which then tend to dry out the air and make breathing that much more difficult.

Enhancing the air quality indoors in houses around Arlington may be achieved by improving ventilation, which can be accomplished by the regular opening of windows and the use of exhaust fans.Installing HVAC systems equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can improve indoor air quality. HEPA filters capture 99% of particles that have a diameter of 0.3 microns. These filters can capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which have a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.You must also think about having houseplants, which can naturally filter some airborne pollutants.Consistent cleaning, especially using an HEPA filter vacuum for top-notch vacuuming, can help cut down on the dust and allergens you breathe. Regular dusting and vacuuming also help reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air.

Indoor air quality is significantly affected by HVAC systems because they are responsible for circulating air throughout the building. When they are not properly maintained, HVAC systems can become sources of indoor pollution because they trap dust, mold, and other allergens. Regular cleaning, filter changes, and professional inspections ensure that the system is running effectively and without compromising air quality. Also, advanced HVAC systems that come equipped with integrated air purifiers can significantly enhance indoor air quality.

Indeed, numerous houseplants possess the ability to purify the air and thrive in the climate of Arlington. Among the most popular options are Peace Lilies, Spider Plants, and Snake Plants. These three plants are particularly good at removing such nasty air pollutants as formaldehyde and benzene. Aloe Vera is another excellent air-cleaning option. It, too, is a great choice for the plant parent who wants a low-maintenance addition to the household.No matter which plants you decide to incorporate, you'll greatly enhance the aesthetic value of your space, and you'll be making a serious move toward cleaner indoor air.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are constituents that can easily vaporize into the air and may be unhealthy to breathe. They come from many common household products, including paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, and some types of furniture.In Arlington homes and offices, VOCs are a contributor to headaches, breathing problems, and other health 'vents' associated with indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Product selection and space ventilation can help significantly reduce concentrations indoors.

It is vital for good indoor air quality in Arlington that air ducts be cleaned regularly. The climate here is unpredictable, and for that reason—and many others—dust, pollen, and even mold can build up in a home's air ducts. If those ducts are never cleaned, the stuff that gets in them can be assumed to be going out into the home's air supply. The air that you inhale in your home office—or any other room of your house—is also the air that filters through the ducts. So if the ducts are dirty, the air is probably not as good as it could be.

The critical part that humidity plays in indoor air quality cannot be overstated. Too much moisture encourages mold and mildew to grow, but the opposite extreme is also unhealthy. Too little moisture in the air results in dry skin and a host of mainly respiratory problems. Here, the humid summers and colder (but still relatively dry) winter months make it especially important to manage indoor humidity. The easy rule of thumb is to use dehumidifiers in the summer to prevent excessive moisture buildup that could lead to mold and mildew, and to use humidifiers during the much drier winter months.

Indoor air quality can be greatly improved by air purifiers. Particulate matter, which includes dust, pollen, and smoke, gets filtered out effectively. For allergy sufferers in Arlington, where seasonal allergens are a real problem, that's nothing to sneeze at. With a HEPA filter in place, one can be sure that even the smallest of the small gets captured. The time to pay attention to the maintenance of the filter, though, is before the little things in life become the big things in life. And the time to pay attention to placement is in the all-too-many hours when you're inside.

Selecting low-VOC or no-VOC household cleaning products can significantly boost indoor air quality. In Arlington homes, where the air might be stagnant during the colder months, it is crucial to keep windows open while cleaning to let any airborne chemicals escape. Choosing natural, eco-friendly cleaners can lessen the likelihood of any kind of pollution since these products tend to be less harmful to human health and the environment. Even when using these safer products, it is wise to keep them stored where they will not be exposed to heat or direct sunlight, since those conditions can cause any kind of product to emit more VOCs. Fortunately, cleaning doesn't have to be a trigger for poor indoor air quality.