There’s a good and bad side to taking a nice deep breath through your nose. On a good day, the inviting aroma of the fresh and clean outdoors, a scented candle, or your favorite home-cooked meal is likely to greet you. On a really good day, perhaps you’ll encounter all that and more.
But depending on where you are and what you’re doing, you’re as likely to inhale things that aren’t nearly as good for you – like toxic fumes, chemical by-products, allergens, and a slew of other pollutants that take a toll on outdoor and indoor air quality.
And now you know why May has been designated as Clean Air Month, i.e., to serve as an annual reminder that not all air is clean and healthy, and yet that there are things we can do to improve air quality for ourselves and others. Here are a few suggestions to help you join the clean air party:
Choose safer household products.
Opt for “green” cleaners that don’t contain harmful fumes and artificial fragrances. Better yet, make your own! Olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice can replace your store-bought furniture polish, while baking soda and a little water combine to make a great soft-scrubber. What’s more, these natural cleaners are safe to use around children. Planning to freshen up a room or two with a new paint job? If so, choose low-VOC paint. While it’s a little more expensive than traditional mixtures, it’s better for your family and for the environment.
Maintain your central air conditioning system.
Clean or replace your air filter regularly, and have your system cleaned and inspected once a year to ensure that it’s operating at maximum efficiency. You’ll enjoy the benefits of cleaner indoor air, added energy savings, and fewer system repair problems.
Park the car.
Commit to walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transportation at least one day a week – or even once a month. If you must drive, keep your car in tip-top shape. Regular oil changes and tire pressure checks will help keep it running smoothly. You’ll also enjoy improved gas mileage which also serves to reduce emissions.
Unplug.
Using electricity wisely can greatly reduce air pollution. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use, and only run dishwashers and washing machines when full. Consider replacing energy draining appliances with more efficient EnergyStar models.
Here’s one more way to enjoy cleaner indoor air: with a whole-house air filtration system from Air Professionals. The right system can remove up to 99% of allergens and pathogens that come in contact with the filter during AC or heating system operation. For more information or to schedule installation, contact us today. We’re also ready and available to perform annual preventative maintenance on your AC system.