4 Essential Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your home is a place you spend a huge amount of time. You relax after work, cook meals, play with the kids, entertain friends and you may even have a home office. But have you ever questioned the air quality in your home?

If you have a respiratory disease like asthma, air quality can be a big factor in how bad or good your symptoms are. While the largest amount of air pollutants are outside, unfortunately these can get inside the home on clothes, shoes, pets, through windows and doors and through an air conditioning system. Here’s 4 essential tips to improve your indoor air quality.

Vacuum Frequently

Dirty carpets can hide all sorts of nasties including dust, dirt, allergens and bacteria. And waking over dirty carpets sends all these contaminants into the air, reducing the quality of the air in your home. Vacuum high traffic areas at least once a week and more if you have pets and children. Consider getting your carpets steam cleaned every 3-6 months to thoroughly clean carpets deep down.

Cleanse Surfaces

Dust and allergens may fly in through windows or drop from clothes onto surfaces. Without a regular cleaning schedule for work tops, these will get blown around the room by fans or a ducted air con system. Use a microfiber cloth which absorbs dust and regularly use a disinfectant to kill off any bacteria.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

If air conditioning is never maintained, the filters will clog up and dirty air thrown back into the room. Clean your aircon filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Call in your local Sunshine Coast aircon company for a clean and service at least every 12 months.

Ventilate Damp Areas

Rooms like the kitchen and bathroom are prone to damp, due to the regular use of water and heat. If these rooms are not ventilated, there’s a chance of moisture build up which can lead to mould. Use a fan when showering and cooking or leave doors open when possible. Good ventilation allows moisture and smoke to get out and minimises the build-up of any toxic gases.

Right-Sized Units for Efficient Cooling

Another factor that affects your air conditioning efficiency is the size of your unit. The size of your unit should match the size of the room you are cooling. If your unit is too big for the room, it will cool the room too quickly and cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and causing temperature fluctuations. If your unit is too small for the room, it will struggle to cool the room adequately and run continuously, consuming more energy and causing more wear and tear. To find the right-sized unit for your room, you should consult a professional who can measure the size, layout, and insulation of your room and recommend the best unit for your needs.

Bonus Tip: Turn Off Unused Units

The last but not the least tip to make your air conditioning efficient is to turn off your units when they are not in use. This may seem obvious, but many people forget or neglect to do this, especially in offices or large buildings. You should implement reminders or timers to ensure that your units are not running when they are not needed, such as during the night, weekends, or holidays. This can save you a lot of energy and money, as well as extend the lifespan of your units.