Living through cold and flu season – never mind a pandemic – can make you apprehensive about even the simplest of actions. Like taking a breath. As in, will your next breath be the one that infects you? No one needs to live with that as a constant worry. Which means we do what we can to lessen the risk.

So, let’s head indoors to discover (or review) a handful of ways you can improve the quality of your air. As a rule, it’s at least twice as polluted as outdoor air, and that’s reason enough to be proactive about cleaning it up.

Let’s take a closer look.

Clean or replace AC and heating filters once every six to eight weeks, or as needed.
Keep floors and carpets clean. Dirt, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander collect in your rugs and move about with human and pet traffic…as in, the pollution travels with you.
Avoid using chemical cleaning products. Chemical cleaners, paint, and even perfume emit fumes that you might be allergic to. Replace the cleaners with home-made solutions comprised of vinegar, citrus oil and water.
Buy machine washable bedding. Wash pillows, sheets and comforters weekly to reduce exposure to allergens, including dust mites.
Open doors and windows when temperature and humidity levels permit. However, be mindful of outdoor allergens during the spring and fall.
Certain house plants improve indoor air quality by filtering carbon dioxide; however, if they are over-watered, they can encourage mold growth.
Fix water leaks as quickly as possible. Rain and high humidity can bring moisture indoors, which can lead to mold and mildew. Dampness alone — even without mold — is associated with higher risk of wheezing, coughing and asthma symptoms.
Keep pesticides and other pollutants outdoors. Place a large floor mat at every door. People track in all sorts of chemicals via the dirt on their shoes. A door mat reduces the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home. If the mat is big enough, even those who don’t wipe their shoes will leave most pollutants on the mat — not the floors in your home.

At Optimum Air, we are indoor air quality (IAQ) specialists. That means we have whole-house remedies that can do even more to make your home pollutant free. Call today for more information and a free in-home proposal.