1. Reduce or eliminate individual sources of pollution
Source control is still the most effective way to completely remove dangerous pollutants from indoor spaces. However, it is almost impossible to completely eradicate all pollutants that pose health risks in most indoor spaces; people occupy indoor spaces, and with people comes pollution.
Pollution comes can come from many sources, for example, grooming products, skin flakes, laundry detergents
In many cases, source control can also be a more cost-efficient approach to protecting indoor air quality than increasing ventilation, which can lead to increased energy costs.
2. Increase outside air contribution
Flushing a room or building with 100% outside air has historically been the way to improve indoor air quality. While effective the energy required to heat or cool 100% outside air makes a dramatic impact on your energy bill.
Also, the outside air can be up to 10x more polluted than the indoor air depending on geographic location, season and time of day. Consider an efficient air purification solution that provides a recycled air contribution.
3. Keep the air intake vent clean
One of the most common problems with home air handlers is dirt on the air intake grids. This buildup of dirt and dust reduces the amount of air being returned to the HVAC unit for heating or cooling. This reduction of the air stream makes the fan motor work harder, therefore reducing its lifespan and ultimately costing you money in reduced system efficiency and repair bills. Make cleaning
4. Routine filter maintenance and replacement program
Filters are designed to trap larger particulate matter in your airflow. Depending on your building’s use and environment the particulate matter in the filter can build rapidly. Different filter models require more regular maintenance, check with your filter manufacturer for their recommendation.
Alternatively, subscribe to a maintenance service to regularly check and replace your HVAC filters and components.
5. Don’t overwater indoor plants
Live plants are better than fake ones around the building. However, one common mistake is to overwater the plant. Overly damp soil may promote the growth of microorganisms which can affect allergic building occupants. Plus, it can also be harmful to the plants.
6. Install an air purifier
Be aware that not all air purifiers are effective. Rather than removing particulate matter and improving indoor air quality, ionizing purifiers cause particulate matter to collect on surfaces or the building’s occupants.
Also, injecting ozone into a building can be potentially harmful to occupants according to the CDC. Consider a purifier that enhances the effectiveness of your existing filter system.
7. Improve the effectiveness of your filter
Over 98% of airborne particulate matter cannot be trapped and removed from the air by your filter, which is designed to capture particulate matter larger than three microns.
There are air purification solutions that accelerate the natural coagulation of particulate matter so that it is collected by the filter or falls to the floor where it is vacuumed or cleaned as part of routine cleaning services.
8. Ensure a balanced airflow
Most often comfort issues such as hot and cold areas in a home are the trigger for investigating the airflow balance. Another systemic effect of airflow balance is excess humidity. Unbalanced airflow will lead to increased energy costs, create a less clean environment and can make the home less comfortable for its occupants.
9. Isolate and treat air in specialized areas of the home
Short-term activities can generate high levels of pollutants—for example, painting, drywall repair, sanding, cleaning, floor polishing etc. in areas of your home can introduce significant pollution. You should also consider replacing or cleaning the filter, if the design permits, during and immediately following this kind of home repair or cleaning.