The 1-2-3's of Healthy Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to our living spaces, we often prioritize cleanliness and organization; however, one aspect that can often be overlooked is the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. As the leaders in clean & healthy, we’re here to shed light on the factors that affect your indoor air quality and to provide you with three crucial steps to achieve greater air quality in your home.

Pollutants can enter your indoor air from any number of sources, and because these contaminants can cause a wide range of health and lifestyle issues, it’s important to know what they are and where they come from.

Indoor air pollutants can be categorized into three levels of danger to your health:

Allergens and particulates such as dust, pollen, wood smoke (wildfire smoke or otherwise), tobacco smoke, mold, and more are common culprits that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. These microscopic contaminants can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing sensitivities.

In addition to allergens, infectious agents like bacteria and other viruses can circulate in the air, posing a greater threat to your health. These microorganisms can cause illnesses such as colds, the flu, and even respiratory infections. Maintaining a clean and sanitized indoor environment is crucial in minimizing the spread of these pathogens.

Toxic compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals from cleaning products, paint, and furniture can release harmful gases into the air. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even long-term health issues. It is critical to minimize the presence of these compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality.

Whether its allergens and particulates, infectious agents, or toxic compounds, there are efforts you can make to better prevent these pollutants from entering your home like adequately sealing your interior from the outdoors, maintaining clean and sanitary conditions, practicing good hygiene, and most importantly ensuring proper ventilation throughout your indoor space—and that begins with clean air ducts.

Regular air duct cleaning is a vital step in improving indoor air quality. Over time, dust, allergens, and debris accumulate in the HVAC system and ducts, effectively contaminating the air that circulates throughout your home.

Stanley Steemer recommends scheduling a professional cleaning of your air duct system every 2-5 years to ensure your HVAC remains efficient and your indoor air remains clean and healthy. To learn more about our own air duct cleaning services, click here.

Cleaning dirt and particulates from your air ducts is only one-third of the battle; after all, regular air filters cannot safeguard against the majority of pollutants like biological contaminants and chemical vapors.

Stanley Steemer recommends installing an in-duct air purifier like our own Restore™ system that is designed to detoxify your air and eliminate more dangerous sources of indoor air pollution within hours. Restore™ relies on a scientific process called photocatalytic oxidation wherein germicidal UV-C light reacts with titatium dioxide-infused carbon cells to neutralize contaminants. In other words, the system’s cells capture and hold microbes and odors which are then eliminated by exposure to UV light, leaving behind only harmless water vapor and CO2.

The Restore™ in-duct air purifier is laboratory-tested and proven to be a safe and effective method for reducing indoor air contaminants in hours. To learn more about Stanley Steemer’s solution for indoor air pollution, click here.

In addition to regular cleanings and air purification, it is important to continue practicing good HVAC maintenance which includes regularly changing its air filters to ensure airborne particles and allergens are captured before they circulate in your ducts and home.

Stanley Steemer recommends checking and replacing your air filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal filtration and improved air quality.

By better understanding the factors that affect your indoor air quality and following these three fundamental steps, you can significantly improve the air you breathe indoors which is so beneficial in fostering a healthy and comfortable living environment for you and your loved ones.

If you are interested in improving your indoor air quality, contact Stanley Steemer today to schedule your professional air duct cleaning and take the first step toward breathing cleaner, healthier indoor air. Just call 1-800-STEEMER to speak with a representative 24/7 or visit our convenient online scheduling tool to plan your appointment.