7 Tips For Enhancing Your Indoor Air in Utah

If you are committed to improving the indoor air in your Orem home, consider a combination of do-it-yourself steps and professional actions.

Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning can help by recommending indoor air quality (IAQ) products that resolve your unique needs. We have years of experience and are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer.

Our expert technicians install IAQ accessories that safeguard your health by removing particles, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants from indoor air.

Why Clean Indoor Air?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, breathing air that can contain a concentration of pollutants two to five times that of outdoor concentrations.

Breathing in contaminants for hours on end can develop or exacerbate health problems. Poor indoor air quality can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, bring on headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and exasperate or cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer.

How You Can Improve Indoor Air

Here are seven tips to enhance air quality and improve your comfort:

1. Maintain Your HVAC
   Schedule annual tune-ups for your heating and cooling system. Our qualified technicians at Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning inspect equipment for safety, performance, efficiency, and wear and tear.
   
   We clean and lubricate components and repair malfunctioning parts. Preventative maintenance restores efficiency and improves air quality.

2. Seal Holes and Cracks
   Contaminants can enter your living space through cracks and holes in your ductwork. When your heating and cooling system kicks on, it blows the pollutants through your ductwork and into your living space.
   
   At Gillette Heating & Air Conditioning, we use non-toxic, effective Aeroseal to block holes and cracks.
   
   Pollution also leaks through openings in your home’s envelope. Caulk those cracks and holes, or ask us about AeroBarrier, which works with insulation to keep pollution out.

3. Consider Installing an Air Cleaner
   Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lights, filtration systems, and air purifiers are among the whole-house systems that clean indoor air. UV lights kill biological contaminants, while filtration systems trap particles.
   
   Air purifiers, such as Air Scrubber by Aerus and REME-HALO^®, are among our favorite air cleaners at Gillette Heating & Air Conditioning. They eliminate bacteria, viruses, odors, particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

4. Clean and Replace
   Dust, vacuum, and wash bedding regularly to reduce allergens such as dust mites and pet dander in your home. Inspect your HVAC system air filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty.
   
   See your manufacturer’s recommendations for guidance on filter longevity and MERV rating.

5. Ventilate
   Open windows when outdoor pollution is low and weather permits. Use exhaust fans to remove moisture-heavy air in the bathroom and tiny particulates released by cooking food. Consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that removes stale indoor air. An ERV draws in fresh outdoor air, filtering and conditioning it as it enters.

6. Air-Cleaning Plants
   The Farmer’s Almanac suggests adding a few houseplants to freshen the air. The publication recommends mums, gerbera daisies, and English ivy, among other plants tested in a 1989 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) study for their ability to remove benzene, formaldehyde, and other airborne chemicals.

7. Control Humidity
   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a 30 to 50 percent humidity level. High humidity can encourage mold growth, leading to lung infections, a sore throat, coughing, skin rashes, and a stuffy nose. A lower level may cause dry skin, nosebleeds, and eye irritation.

You can place portable dehumidifiers and humidifiers in select rooms or install a whole-home device that works with your heating and cooling system. Ask us at Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning which system works best for your home.

Take Control of Your Indoor Air

Home can recommend the best solution for indoor air quality in your Orem, UT, home. Call us at 801-465-7760 or request service online.