5 Steps To Optimal Indoor Air Quality

Good ventilation and efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) air filters do a lot to keep the air in your Florida home or office clean, but for optimal indoor air quality, there are a few more steps that you can take. Here are five steps to ensuring optimal indoor air quality in your home or office:

1. Test for radon: It may not be an obvious first step, but getting rid of radon in your indoor air just might save your life. This odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It enters your structure from the ground via air leaks like cracks in the walls, as well as through your water. Test for this gas with a kit from the Florida Department of Health’s Radon Program or consult an HVAC expert. Solutions include professional sealing of air leaks, and installing a vent pipe system and fan.
2. Control humidity: In addition to being uncomfortable, high humidity levels encourage the growth of dust mites and mold, both of which can cause health problems. To reduce these air contaminants, keep your indoor relative indoor humidity at between 30 and 50 percent. Given the weather in Florida, achieving those levels may require a dehumidifier. For convenience and optimal indoor air quality, consider installing a whole-house dehumidification system.
3. Keep floors clean: In front of every exterior door, place a large door mat to catch dirt before it enters your home or office. To effectively remove dust, dust mites, and fire retardant residue from your carpets, use a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Try a microfiber mop to pick up more debris from uncarpeted floors.
4. Limit synthetic scents: Scented products like air fresheners, fabric softeners, and furniture polish are loaded with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that pose a threat to your health. For cleaner indoor air, skip the fake scents, and choose unscented or naturally scented products.
5. Smoke outside: Quitting is ideal, but if you do smoke, step outside. You’ll limit your exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

For more professional advice on maintaining optimal indoor air quality, contact the experts at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve been providing HVAC services to Orlando-area homeowners and commercial customers since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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