How to Boost Your Home’s Air Quality This Summer in Mitchell, IN

As the days grow warmer and the sun shines longer, many Mitchell, Indiana, residents are looking forward to the benefits that summer brings. Yet, while we embrace the warmth of the season, we may also face some challenges related to the quality of the air inside our homes. The air we breathe plays a significant role in our overall health and comfort, especially during the summer months when windows may be open more frequently, and air systems are working harder than usual.

The quality of indoor air can affect your respiratory health, allergies, and even your mood. With pollen in the air, higher humidity levels, and more dust being kicked up by summer activities, it’s more important than ever to ensure the air in your home is clean and healthy. But how can you boost your home’s air quality to make sure you and your family breathe easier? Let’s dive into some practical solutions that can help improve the air quality in your Mitchell home this summer.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

First, let’s take a step back and look at why indoor air quality is such a big deal. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is concerning when we spend an estimated 90% of our time indoors, especially in our homes. Poor air quality is linked to a variety of health issues, including allergies, asthma, and even more severe conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer.

While outdoor air pollution tends to grab the most attention, indoor air pollution is often overlooked. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as dust, pet dander, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, and even carbon monoxide. By improving the air quality inside your home, you’re not only ensuring a cleaner, more comfortable environment, but you’re also actively safeguarding the health of your family.

Now, let’s explore some practical ways to boost your home’s air quality this summer.

1. Keep Your HVAC System Clean and Well-Maintained

Your HVAC system is one of the most essential parts of keeping your home comfortable during the summer. However, a system that isn’t properly maintained can actually contribute to poor indoor air quality. Dust, mold, and bacteria can accumulate in your HVAC system, and as it runs, it circulates those pollutants through your home.

To ensure your HVAC system is working at its best and not spreading contaminants, regular maintenance is key. This includes:

Changing the air filter: A dirty air filter can trap pollutants, reducing the airflow in your system and causing it to work harder. Ideally, replace your air filter every 1–3 months, depending on the type of filter you use and your home’s specific needs.
Cleaning the ducts: Over time, dust, dirt, and allergens can accumulate in your ducts. This can be especially problematic during the summer when you’re using your air conditioning more frequently. Consider scheduling a professional duct cleaning to ensure your system is circulating clean air.
Annual HVAC tune-ups: A professional technician can inspect your system, clean its components, and make necessary repairs to ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently. Regular tune-ups help prevent the buildup of contaminants and improve the overall performance of your unit.

2. Use Air Purifiers to Remove Particles and Pollutants

While your HVAC system helps regulate the temperature, air purifiers are a great way to target specific pollutants in the air. Air purifiers are designed to remove common indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores, making them especially helpful during allergy season or for households with pets.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one that uses a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) because they are capable of trapping even the smallest particles. You’ll want to place air purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, such as the living room, bedroom, and even the kitchen. In addition to a HEPA filter, some air purifiers also include a carbon filter that can help remove odors and VOCs, which can be emitted by things like cleaning products, paint, and furniture.

3. Control Humidity Levels

High humidity levels can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites—common indoor allergens that can negatively affect your health. Mitchell’s summer months are often warm and humid, making it essential to control the moisture levels in your home.

To maintain optimal humidity levels (ideally between 30% and 50%), consider investing in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. They are especially beneficial in damp areas like basements or bathrooms, but they can also improve the air quality in the entire home.

Many modern HVAC systems come with a built-in dehumidification feature, which can be a great way to control humidity levels without needing a separate appliance. If you’re unsure whether your system has this feature or if you need a standalone dehumidifier, it’s worth consulting a professional HVAC technician for advice.

4. Ventilate Your Home

Proper ventilation is crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality, especially during the summer months when air circulation is often needed to bring in fresh outdoor air and expel indoor pollutants. Good airflow can also help to reduce the buildup of moisture, which can encourage mold growth.

There are a few ways to improve ventilation in your home:

Open windows strategically: On cooler days, open windows to allow fresh air to flow through your home. Be mindful of pollen levels, especially during allergy season, and try to keep windows closed when pollen counts are high.
Use exhaust fans: Make sure your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are in good working order. These fans help to expel moisture and odors, preventing the accumulation of pollutants in these spaces.
Install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV): ERVs are designed to bring in fresh outdoor air while removing stale indoor air. They also help to maintain the ideal humidity levels, making them particularly beneficial for homes in regions with high summer humidity, like Mitchell, IN.

5. Keep Your Home Clean and Dust-Free

One of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is by regularly cleaning your home. Dust and dirt particles can easily accumulate on floors, furniture, and other surfaces, and when stirred up, these pollutants can make their way into the air.

To reduce the amount of dust in your home:

Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap fine dust and pet dander.
Use damp cloths: When dusting furniture, use a damp cloth instead of a dry one to trap dust particles rather than spreading them around.
Wash bedding and upholstery: Dust mites thrive in bedding and upholstered furniture. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly, and consider using allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses.

6. Keep Pollen and Outdoor Pollutants Out

Pollen is one of the main culprits for seasonal allergies in the summer. Keeping it outside your home is key to maintaining good indoor air quality.

Close windows during high pollen times: In Mitchell, peak pollen times tend to be early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If you suffer from allergies, keep windows closed during these times to prevent pollen from entering your home.
Change your clothes and shower after outdoor activities: If you’ve spent time outside, especially in areas with heavy pollen, change your clothes and shower before coming inside. This helps to remove pollen from your body and prevents it from spreading throughout your home.

7. Address Indoor Smoking and Chemical Use

Indoor smoking and the use of harsh chemicals can significantly affect the air quality in your home. Secondhand smoke contains a wide variety of toxins, including carcinogens, and can cause respiratory issues. Additionally, many household products contain VOCs, which can contribute to poor air quality and even trigger asthma or allergic reactions.

Avoid smoking indoors: If you smoke, consider doing so outdoors to prevent harmful toxins from entering your home.
Use natural cleaning products: Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can off-gas into the air. Opt for natural, non-toxic alternatives to clean your home.

The Importance of Professional HVAC Services

Boosting your home’s air quality is essential to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. From maintaining your HVAC system to controlling humidity levels and improving ventilation, there are many practical steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality this summer in Mitchell, IN.

However, navigating the complexities of air quality and HVAC systems can be tricky, and sometimes professional help is the best solution. Dayton’s Heating and Cooling offers expert HVAC services to ensure that your system is running efficiently and your home’s air quality is at its best.

For Indoor Air Quality Services in Mitchell, IN, Contact Dayton’s Heating and Cooling Today

Don’t wait until the air in your home becomes a concern. If you’re looking to improve your indoor air quality this summer, Dayton’s Heating and Cooling is here to help. Our experienced technicians can provide you with the services you need to ensure a clean and healthy home environment. Whether you need an HVAC tune-up, air purification advice, or help with ventilation, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help improve your home’s air quality and keep you breathing easier all year long.