Read these 5 helpful tips for keeping the air inside your home crisp and clean during the fall months.
It’s that time of year again when those of us in metro New Orleans can begin enjoying the changing of the seasons and hopefully some crisp autumn air.
Wouldn’t you like your home to have the same clean and clear air quality that you love during fall strolls?
The problem with letting fall air into the house, for many people, is the allergens that also find their way inside. Similar to spring time, fall can also lead to respiratory problems, itchy, watery eyes and many other problems for people with seasonal allergies.
There are a few tips that you can keep in mind to be able to breathe easier while enjoying the beautiful fall season.
#1 – Identify and Eliminate Sources of Pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners eliminate potential sources of indoor air pollution throughout the entire year. These sources are often things like household cleaners or appliances that we use that produce harmful byproducts.
During the fall season, as the temperatures begin to drop, we may be more tempted than usual to use things like gas stoves and fireplaces, which can be detrimental to the indoor air quality if not vented properly.
To improve air quality and safety during the fall, ensure that these appliances are sealed, operating properly and being vented to the outside of your home.
#2 – Controlling Air Flow Inside the Home
You can greatly improve the efficiency of your heating and air equipment if you make your home airtight. Some people will claim that this will be damaging to the indoor air quality because air is sealed in the home and there is no ventilation. In reality, a tightly sealed home allows you to increase indoor air quality because you have greater control over the air that does come into your home.
If you are worried about fall allergens, sealing air leaks throughout your home becomes important. Not only will this allow you to keep heat inside the home, but it will also enable you to make the most out of air purification systems.
These purification systems can be attached to your air intake systems, filtering all of the air that enters your home. Air filtering equipment can eliminate mold, bacteria and other allergens that can affect the health and happiness of everyone inside.
#3 – Open Some Windows!
If you are not sensitive to fall allergens, this is an excellent time of the year to air out your house. Before the temperatures drop below comfortable levels, fall is a season that allows you to give your heating and air equipment a much needed break. Open windows, and let clean, fresh air circulate through your house. This will help you rid your home of air that has grown stagnant and possibly contaminated with various pollutants.
During the winter, you will probably be relying more on mechanical ventilation to bring fresh air into your home. Fall provides an opportunity to naturally refresh your indoor air.
#4 – Use a Humidifier
Fall air is often very crisp and dry. This can make allergies more severe and it can also cause skin to become dry and people in the home can feel less comfortable in general in very dry air. Adding a humidifier to the home during the fall and winter seasons can solve this problem.
Whether you use a whole house humidifier that is connected to your heating and air equipment, or if you only use humidifiers in rooms that you frequent the most, these devices can increase the humidity and moisture in the air. There are many different types of humidifiers that will each provide increased comfort and improved indoor air quality throughout the fall season.
#5 – Have Your A/C Unit Inspected
Fall is a great time of year to have your air conditioning / heating unit inspected by a professional. Leaves and other debris can get inside of the units and hamper their performance. A semi-annual inspection will ensure the unit is functioning properly and is ready to keep your warm throughout the colder winter months.
