How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Originally Published: July 19, 2021

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutants in indoor air quality are at least 2 to 5 times worse than the air quality outside. Since the average person spends approximately 90% of their day inside, you may want to learn how to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Some of the air quality issues may be attributed to our indoor routines, like cooking. They can also be compromised by other household items like cleaning products, candles, and particleboard.

We all want to breathe the best air possible. But why is it so hard to achieve? Even with plants providing fresh oxygen or using air handler air filters, it may not be enough. Your home’s poor air quality may be the cause if you’re experiencing health complications like:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Coughing
• Sneezing

To prevent these problems, the HVAC specialists at Action Air Conditioning in Tampa Bay, Florida, will provide you with the best tips for improving your home’s air quality.  

How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Tampa Home?

When it comes to our Florida homes, we all want the best environment possible. With global warming and Tampa heat waves already compromising your indoor air quality, you may be motivated to resolve these concerns.  

To help you, the following are Action Air Conditioning’s best tips for enhancing your indoor air quality:

1. Use High MERV Rating Filters & Replace Them Regularly

As a busy person juggling many responsibilities, you have more important things to do than remember to change your air filter every 30 days (at a maximum of 90 days).

But if you value your health, you will.

For the best results, purchase filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13. The higher the MERV value, the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles.

For residential properties, selecting this kind of filter is beneficial because it doesn’t impede airflow and can remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles between 0.3 and 10 micrometers. However, if you use a filter with a higher MERV rating, like HEPA filters, will severely restrict air flow, increase your energy bill, and strain your HVAC system. 

Along with selecting the appropriate filter, your air quality can be drastically improved by regularly changing your air filters.

All the air circulates through your unit’s ducts and air filters. So, changing your filter increases ventilation through the system, which helps your unit run efficiently. 

The right air handler filter is essential to cleaning the air as it moves through your ducts. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing strain on your HVAC system. Ultimately, this decreases its performance, while also reducing your indoor air quality. 

2. Buy House Plants

Most air pollutants can’t be seen or smelled, but they are in your home constantly. According to a NASA report, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene are in everyone’s home. 

Potential sources that off-gas these pollutants may include:

• Plastic
• Acrylic fiber
• Rubber
• Leather
• Paper towels 

Essentially, the number of items in your home polluting your air right now is insane!

The good news is that houseplants act as natural air filters. Specifically, using photosynthesis, they clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In addition to giving off oxygen, many house plants absorb toxins, such as:

• Philodendrons
• Aglaonema
• Aloe Vera 

Since Mother Nature cleans the air, we can use it as a defense. Bringing a little nature indoors can work wonders. 

Based on NASA’s 1989 study, some of the best plants for enhancing indoor air quality include:

• English Ivy
• Spider Plants
• Devil’s Ivy
• Peace Lily
• Bamboo Palm
• Red-edged Dracaena
• Warneck Dracaena

However, each plant plays a different role in indoor air quality. For instance, spider plants are pros at increasing the fresh oxygen supply indoors. 

3. Have a UV Air Purifier Installed

The latest UV-GI or UV germicidal irradiation technology kills up to 99% of the microorganisms in your HVAC or AC system using short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C) to kill viruses (i.e., COVID-19) and pathogens. The purifier works by passing air through a filter and then a UV-C light emitter to sterilize the air. Using both mechanisms, it’s effective in eliminating:

• Particles

• Allergens 

• Mold

• Bacteria

Often, this light air filter can be installed in your air ducts or air handler. If you’re interested in purchasing a UV air sanitizer for your own home AC unit in Tampa, Florida, it must be professionally designed and installed. Otherwise, it may not function properly to serve your purposes. 

Consult a trained HVAC specialist from Action Air Conditioning to learn more!

4. Upgrade Your Home’s Ventilation

Have an HVAC technician check the ventilation in your home. It may not be doing what it should. Poorly ventilated buildings lead to the accumulation of contaminants, which may reach dangerous levels. 

To prevent this, you can have dilution or spot ventilation systems installed. Both options are beneficial for indoor air quality. 

Dilution systems are designed to tackle the entire living space by air cleaning and exchanging outdoor air with indoor air. Spot ventilation involves exterior exhaust fans (kitchens and bathrooms) that remove humidity and carbon monoxide.

Changing the ventilation system in your residence helps you feel better knowing that all of your indoor air is cleaner and safer.  

5. Control Sources of Pollution

To control sources of pollution in your home, you must alter the choices you make. For example, consider purchasing clean products instead of ones that release harmful chemicals into your indoor space. 

You also might want to avoid vaping, smoking indoors, or using high-emitting products like: 

• Paint
• Glue
• Caulk
• Candles 

The key here is to think about the potential side effects of each choice and how it may impact your indoor air quality. Making simple changes can lead to a substantial difference in your health and well-being. 

Your HVAC Experts in Tampa, Florida

Now that you have a better idea of how to improve the indoor air quality in your Florida home, you can make the necessary changes. 

To determine the current state of your indoor air quality and resolve any related concerns, get in touch with Action Air Conditioning or schedule a FREE estimate. We have been serving the Tampa Bay Area for over 30 years, helping people like you find perfect comfort in their homes.