Five Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can harm your family's health, causing problems such as allergies and asthma and even serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. It's important for Myrtle Beach households to find easy and affordable ways to improve their air quality.

Improving IAQ doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Follow these tips to spot and reduce common causes of poor indoor air quality without spending much money.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution includes airborne irritants present at various levels in most homes. Airborne contaminants include a range of natural and artificial particulates, including:

Dust mites
Formaldehyde
Mold and mildew
Pet dander
Pollen
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Notably, these compounds are present in most households but become dangerous when the number of irritants exceeds an acceptable level. In most cases, indoor air contaminants are measured in parts per million (ppm), which indicates the concentration of irritants in the home.

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution can arise from various organic and chemical sources both inside and outside your home. The concentration of these airborne pollutants affects the severity of symptoms, and it is important to note that these concentrations can vary seasonally or with the introduction of new pollution sources.

Chemical Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

You might be surprised to learn that common household products are significant sources of chemical-based indoor air pollutants. Paint, solvents, cleaning products, upholstery, and furniture can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Radon, a natural radioactive gas, can seep into buildings from the ground.

Biological Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Many sources of airborne contamination are naturally occurring. Common biological pollutants include pet dander and hair, dust mites, and dead skin cells.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Outdoor air quality also affects the air inside your home. Households located near industrial and manufacturing sites, busy highways, or areas susceptible to wildfires are at an increased risk of poor indoor air quality. Air pollution can enter your home through small cracks or open windows and may be challenging to eliminate without proper ventilation.

Seasonal allergens and pollen from the outdoors can also irritate indoor air quality. This is a concern for many, as approximately 80 million American adults, roughly 26% of the population, suffer from seasonal allergies.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality requires a considered, holistic approach, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five ways Myrtle Beach families can breathe better!

1. Reduce sources of airborne irritants.

Avoid harsh cleaning products, and use paints and solvents only outside. If you need to paint indoors, keep the windows open and use fans to help airflow. When buying furniture, choose items that do not contain VOCs. Keep your home clean with regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming are simple ways to reduce airborne irritants!

2. Increase ventilation and airflow.

Let in fresh air when seasonally appropriate to remove potentially harmful contaminants. Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and a bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing to encourage airflow and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

3. Take care of your HVAC system.

Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for ensuring good indoor air quality. Regular maintenance, combined with the timely replacement of your air filter every 1 to 3 months, can significantly improve air quality. If you're uncertain about the optimal replacement schedule for your specific system, refer to the owner’s manual for your furnace or boiler. It's especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions, like asthma or allergies, to frequently check and possibly replace their filters more often to maintain a healthy environment.

4. Control humidity.

High indoor humidity stimulates mold and mildew growth and may exacerbate allergy symptoms. To maintain healthy indoor quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humiditybetween 30% and 50%.

Dehumidifiers (in-line or standalone) are a cost-effective way to maintain safe humidity levels, especially during summer or in humid regions.

5. Consider buying an air purifier.

Investing in portable and whole-home air purifiers is a wise decision for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Quality air purifiers typically start at around $50 and can significantly reduce airborne contaminants, especially when positioned near sources of irritants such as a dog bed or open windows.

Enjoy Better Indoor Air Quality with Regular HVAC Service

Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for overall well-being. As your local HVAC specialist, we are dedicated to improving the air you breathe at home or your workplace. Our expert team offers reliable services, including air duct cleaning, filter replacements, system maintenance, and tailored recommendations to address your needs.

Understanding the common pollutants that can affect your respiratory health—such as dust, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—is key to creating a healthier indoor environment. By scheduling a comprehensive assessment with us, you can take proactive steps to ensure cleaner air for you and your loved ones. Don’t wait for symptoms to arise; contact us today to schedule your service and start improving your indoor air quality.

Trusted Indoor Air Quality Services in Myrtle Beach

Swift Services is your trusted partner for all your home services needs in the Myrtle Beach, Marion, and Lake City areas. We’ll work with you to address the causes of poor indoor air quality and improve overall HVAC performance. Book an appointment or call 843-352-6427 for prompt and professional service!

Affordable Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality