As the seasons shift and the weather changes in Lufkin, TX, it’s easy to focus on the more obvious adjustments like adjusting the thermostat or preparing for warmer temperatures. However, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of seasonal transitions: your indoor air quality. Whether you’re planning on cleaning out your HVAC system, upgrading your air filter, or learning more about how to optimize the air quality in your home, it’s a good idea to tackle indoor air quality before the spring pollen kicks in. Improving your indoor air can lead to better health, comfort, and overall well-being for your home and family.
In this guide, we’ll explore simple but effective strategies to improve your indoor air quality, especially before the allergens of spring start to flood Lufkin. From maintenance tips to equipment upgrades, we’ll help you breathe easier and create a healthier indoor environment.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Most people don’t think about their indoor air quality until it becomes a problem. However, poor indoor air quality can have significant effects on your health, especially for individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander can all accumulate in the air and trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can often be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, which means your HVAC system plays a critical role in managing the air you breathe indoors.
In Lufkin, the transition into warmer months brings with it higher humidity levels, which can create conditions that promote mold growth and worsen allergens. Therefore, taking proactive steps to ensure your indoor air quality is at its best before the spring allergens arrive can be a game-changer for your health and comfort.
1. Change Your Air Filters
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality is by changing your HVAC air filter regularly. Air filters are responsible for capturing dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles that could otherwise circulate through your home. Over time, these filters can become clogged and less effective.
The frequency with which you should change your air filter depends on the type of filter you have and your home’s specific needs. In general, it’s a good idea to replace your filter every 1 to 3 months, or sooner if you have pets, live in a dusty area, or suffer from allergies.
Opting for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can offer an added level of protection. HEPA filters are designed to capture smaller particles that standard filters might miss. While they are more expensive than basic filters, they can significantly improve the air quality in your home.
2. Clean and Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is central to managing the air quality inside your home. However, if it’s not properly maintained, it can actually contribute to poor air quality. Dust, dirt, and even mold can build up in the ducts and other parts of the system, circulating pollutants through your home.
Before spring rolls around, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning. A technician will inspect the system for any issues and clean the ducts, coils, and other components to ensure they are running efficiently. Regular maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run.
3. Control Humidity Levels
Humidity is one of the most significant factors affecting indoor air quality, especially in warmer climates like Lufkin. Excess moisture in the air can promote mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens. On the other hand, too little humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory discomfort.
Maintaining an optimal humidity level is key to a comfortable and healthy home. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. To achieve this, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture or a humidifier if the air in your home is too dry.
If you’re unsure about your home’s humidity levels, consider investing in a hygrometer to monitor and adjust them as needed. An HVAC professional can also provide advice on the best humidity control systems for your home.
4. Upgrade Your Air Purification System
For homes with specific air quality concerns, such as those with high levels of dust or pollen, investing in an air purification system can be a game-changer. Air purifiers work by removing particles from the air, helping to reduce allergens, bacteria, and viruses that could make their way into your indoor environment.
There are many different types of air purifiers available, from standalone units to systems that integrate directly into your HVAC system. If you’re dealing with allergies or asthma, look for air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, which can trap small particles effectively.
In addition, ultraviolet (UV) air purifiers can kill bacteria and viruses, offering an extra layer of protection against germs in your home. A professional HVAC technician can help you decide whether an air purifier is right for your home and assist with installation.
5. Clean Your Home Regularly
While it may not seem directly related to your HVAC system, regular cleaning plays a significant role in maintaining good indoor air quality. Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate on surfaces, furniture, and carpets. When these particles are disturbed, they become airborne and can find their way into your HVAC system, further polluting the air.
Vacuuming your carpets and upholstery regularly (preferably with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter) and wiping down surfaces can help reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your home. Washing your bedding and curtains, which can also harbor dust and dander, is another good habit to adopt.
6. Ventilate Your Home Properly
Proper ventilation is key to maintaining fresh, clean air indoors. When outdoor air enters the home, it helps dilute and remove indoor pollutants, reducing the concentration of allergens and other particles in your indoor environment.
Opening windows and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can improve airflow and help ventilate your home. However, in areas where pollen counts are high, like in spring, it may be best to keep windows closed and rely on your HVAC system to filter the air.
If you don’t have an existing ventilation system, consider adding an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to your HVAC system. These systems exchange indoor air with fresh outdoor air while minimizing energy loss, ensuring that your home stays ventilated without sacrificing comfort.
7. Address Mold and Mildew Issues
Mold and mildew are common problems in humid climates like Lufkin. These fungi thrive in damp environments and can quickly spread throughout your home if left unchecked. Not only does mold smell unpleasant, but it can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
If you notice a musty odor or visible mold growth, it’s important to take immediate action. Check areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics for signs of moisture buildup and mold growth. If you discover mold, it’s best to contact a professional mold remediation service to ensure it’s safely and effectively removed.
In addition, consider installing a dehumidifier in high-humidity areas to prevent mold growth from occurring in the first place.
8. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution. When you use products like air fresheners, cleaning sprays, or disinfectants, these chemicals can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which may negatively impact your respiratory health.
Consider switching to natural or non-toxic cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. These products are less likely to contribute to poor indoor air quality while still providing effective cleaning. You can also make your own natural cleaning solutions using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
For Indoor Air Quality Services in Lufkin, TX, Contact Strickland Plumbing, HVAC & Electric, Inc. Today
As you prepare for the change in seasons, taking steps to improve your indoor air quality is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy, comfortable living environment. By maintaining your HVAC system, controlling humidity levels, upgrading your air filtration system, and keeping your home clean, you can significantly improve the air quality and overall health of your household.
At Strickland Plumbing, HVAC & Electric, Inc., we are committed to helping you improve your indoor air quality. Our experienced technicians can provide professional HVAC maintenance, air purification installation, and advice tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait for spring allergens to make their way into your home—contact us today to schedule your HVAC services and breathe easier all year long.
Reach out now for reliable, expert indoor air quality solutions in Lufkin, TX!
Installed water filtration system in our home.Excellent service,Jessie and Lewis were very professional in explaining how the process worked and answered all the questions I had.I was more than satisfied w...