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

Even though we prioritize cleanliness and organization in our homes, indoor air quality can still be overlooked. Since poor indoor air quality can significantly impact our health and well-being, it’s important to do what you can to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible.

As the leaders in clean and healthy, we’re here to shed light on the factors that affect your indoor air quality and 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, and mold are some of the more common culprits of 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 it's allergens and particulates, infectious agents, or toxic compounds, you still have a few options to fight against these pollutants entering your home. First, we recommend adequately sealing your interior from the outdoors via proper sealants on doors and ductwork, maintaining clean and sanitary surfaces, and, most importantly, ensuring proper ventilation throughout your indoor space.

And that begins with clean air ducts.

Stanley Steemer recommends scheduling a professional cleaning of your air duct system every 3-5 years to ensure your HVAC remains efficient and your indoor air remains clean and healthy. When your air ducts are being cleaned, ensure the company performs source removal to actually extract the dirt, dust, and other debris from your HVAC system, rather than just blowing them around.

To learn more about our air duct cleaning services, click here.

Cleaning dirt and particulates from your air ducts is only one-third of the battle, though. Unfortunately, regular air filters and air duct cleaning cannot safeguard against the majority of smaller particle pollutants, such as biological contaminants and chemical vapors.

To tackle those hard-to-reach compounds, Stanley Steemer recommends installing an in-duct air purifier like our own Restore™ system designed to fight against toxic and biological sources of indoor air pollution. Restore™ relies on a scientific process called photocatalytic oxidation wherein germicidal UV-C light reacts with titanium dioxide-infused carbon cells to neutralize contaminants. In other words, the system’s cells capture and hold microbes and odors, which are then broken down by exposure to UV light, leaving behind only harmless water vapor and CO2.

In addition to regular cleanings and air purification, it’s important to continue practicing good HVAC maintenance, which includes regularly changing furnace air filters. Although they are called “furnace filters”, these filters actually filter ALL of the air that circulates in your HVAC system and are most effective in catching particulates like dust, dander, and pollen to prevent them from circulating throughout your home.  

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

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.