Improving Home Air Quality
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-734 -- More Projects »
TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham provides tips on improving the air quality in your home.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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- A clean air filter for your home's heating and air system is very important for maintaining high-quality air (figure A). Check the filter at least once a month to see if it needs replacing.
- Open windows and doors whenever possible to air out the house. Use window fans to keep air circulating (figure B).
- Air purifiers have become much more affordable in recent years (figure C). Look for a compact unit offering HEPA filtration and quiet operation.
- Don't accept clothes that come back from the dry cleaner smelling heavily of chemicals. This is a sign they haven't been dried properly. Also, always hang items outside to air out a bit when you bring them back from the dry cleaner.
- Many common household products contain hazardous fumes and should only be used outside or in a very well-ventilated area. These include paints, varnishes, paint strippers, pesticides, wood preservatives, insect repellents, cleansers and disinfectants. Avoid storing these products in the home--put them in the garage or a storage shed.
- Mold can grow once the humidity levels rise above 70 percent. Buy a hygrometer at your local hardware store, and use it to measure humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier to get rid of excess humidity and make sure to clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Always remember to clean the filters on your dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
- Turn the air conditioning on before dusting that the so dust is quickly removed from the household.
