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A Guide To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Like most people, you may also associate pollution with outdoor areas only. But the truth is the most dangerous contaminants lurk inside your home. Dust, animal feces, dead animal body parts, and household cleaners are just a few pollutants that make your indoor air quality unhealthy.

And considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s safe to assume that you and your family are spending the majority of your time indoors. So, if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, look no further. Here are the most effective ways you can clarify the indoor air and breathe easier.

Five Efficient Steps To Enhance Your Home’s Air Quality

Indoor air pollution can have a significant impact on our health and well-being, and it’s essential to take steps to improve the air quality in our homes. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to improve your home’s air quality, including tips and tricks to help you breathe easier.

Buy Indoor-Friendly Houseplants

Why not improve the air quality the same way that Mother Nature does? Buy some succulents and plants and place them around your home, especially in your bedroom and living room. Plants such as peace lily, chrysanthemums, Boston fern, rubber plants, English ivy, and aloe vera actively remove toxins from the air.

Clean the Filters In Your HVAC System

The filter in your air conditioner or furnace is the first line of defense against indoor pollution. These filters trap mold, viruses, and bacteria, and prevent them from entering your home via ductwork. This is why it’s crucial to change these filters on a regular basis. A filter that’s clogged up with dirt, dust, and other tiny debris cannot purify your indoor air. Consider calling an Air Duct expert to check the air quality in your home if it’s been a while since your last thorough Air duct Inspection.

Get Air Circulation Going

Unless it’s extremely cold or hot outside, you must open your doors and windows every day. This allows the dusty and stale air to escape the house and lets the fresh, clean air enter indoors. If you don’t have an exhaust fan in your basement, attic, or other closed-up spaces, consider getting one installed as a new important home service

Keep An Eye On Humidity Levels 

Mold and dust mites thrive in moist environments, so make sure you maintain ideal humidity levels in your home. This is usually between 30 and 50%. We recommend getting a humidifier that can reduce the amount of moisture in your home’s air. In addition, a humidifier also prevents mold and other allergens from taking root indoors. If you already have a humidifier, make sure you empty out the drip pans on a regular basis.

Stop Smoking!

austin air qualityIf you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times. But seriously, cigarette smoke can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality. Breathing in air that’s been contaminated with cigarette smoke can increase the risk of asthma, heart problems, respiratory ailments, and even cancer. It’s time to make your home a non-smoking space. If you smoke, and you have other people living in your home, especially little children, think about the risks you’re exposing them to.

Clean Indoor Air Quality Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive When With UHS

Breathing in clean, fresh air is your right. You don’t need to invest in expensive air purification systems to improve the air quality in your home. Just follow the tips shared above and you’ll be fine.

However, if you’ve tried these suggestions and you still have indoor air quality issues, it’s time to call an air quality expert. At United Home Services, we offer a variety of HVAC services, such as duct cleaning, thorough chimney Sweep, and AC filter replacement to address your indoor air quality. Call us today at 844-415-1543 or complete this online contact form to know how we can help you.

When it comes to keeping our homes healthy and our air clean, few services are as critical as air duct cleaning. If you’re anything like me, the thought of unknown particles circulating through the air my family breathes is enough to spur me into action. But not all service providers are created equal. This is where unlocking the mystery of certifications and standards in duct cleaning becomes crucial.

Why Certifications Matter in Duct Cleaning

Think of certifications as a safety net for your home’s air quality. I learned this the hard way when a friend opted for a bargain deal on duct cleaning, only to find her home’s air quality worse after the service. It turned out, the company wasn’t certified, and they had actually loosened more debris and contaminants than they removed!

Certifications in duct cleaning mean that the technicians cleaning your air ducts have been trained to adhere to the highest standards of operation. This training ensures that they not only clean effectively but also safely, reducing the risk of damage to your ductwork and ensuring that no harmful contaminants are spread throughout your home.

Key Certifications in Duct Cleaning

NADCA Certification

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) sets the gold standard for duct cleaning professionals. NADCA-certified providers have undergone rigorous training and adhere to strict guidelines for cleaning to the highest industry standards. When a technician shows up with NADCA certification, you can feel confident they know their craft inside and out.

HVAC Certifications

While not exclusive to duct cleaning, HVAC certifications indicate a comprehensive understanding of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which is critical because your ductwork is part of a larger system. Technicians with these certifications understand how to optimize your entire HVAC system’s performance, not just clean your ducts.

Understanding Industry Standards

Industry standards are not just bureaucratic red tape. They’re developed by experts and are designed to ensure services are delivered safely and effectively. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t necessarily certify duct cleaners, but they provide guidelines on what constitutes a proper and safe duct cleaning. Following these standards is a key part of navigating the duct cleaning world like a pro.

How to Verify Certifications and Standards

So, how do you ensure you’re hiring someone trustworthy? Start by asking potential service providers about their certifications. A reputable technician won’t hesitate to share their qualifications. You can also look up their credentials online or check with the issuing organizations.

For example, when I needed my ducts cleaned last spring, I made sure to ask for the certification numbers and looked them up on the NADCA website. It gave me peace of mind knowing that the professionals I was letting into my home met all the necessary industry standards.

The Benefits of Choosing a Certified Duct Cleaner

Choosing a certified duct cleaner comes with numerous benefits. First, there’s the assurance of quality and safety. Certified cleaners use the latest and most effective tools and techniques to remove contaminants from your ducts without risking damage to your system or dispersal of pollutants.

Moreover, regular maintenance by certified professionals can extend the life of your HVAC system and improve its efficiency, which can save you money on energy bills. I noticed a decrease in my energy bills after having my ducts properly cleaned—a win for both my wallet and the environment.

Red Flags and Common Misconceptions

It’s important to be aware of the red flags. Be wary of services that offer “too good to be true” deals or don’t provide clear information about their certifications and procedures. Also, ignore the myth that “cleaning your ducts disrupts your home.” Professional cleaners ensure that the process is as non-intrusive as possible.

Conclusion

Investing in a certified duct cleaning service is not just about maintaining your HVAC system; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of your home environment. Just like choosing a doctor or a mechanic, the qualifications and reputation of duct cleaning professionals matter.

Remember, when it comes to the air you breathe, you deserve the best. Don’t hesitate to reach out to certified professionals who can provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ducts are not just clean, but thoroughly and safely maintained.

Feeling ready to breathe easier? Reach out to your local NADCA certified duct cleaning service today and take the first step towards cleaner, healthier air in your home!

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