Do Air Purifiers Work? Research, Best Practices, and More

A whole-home air purifier is an effective way to clean and purify the air in your home. While small, room-size air purifiers can work in an enclosed space, they are not as efficient or effective as units meant to clean the entire house. Clean air is important for everyone, but very young individuals, the elderly, or those who have existing heart or lung issues are more susceptible to poor air quality. Western Washington, including Puyallup, has experienced an increase in wildfire smoke over the past several years. This smoke is devastating to local air quality. At , we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and healthy home, and one way to do that is by improving the air quality. What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality? One common reason why a home may have poor indoor air quality is due to the quality of the air outside. Even newer homes that are designed to be highly energy-efficient allow some outdoor air in. When the air quality outside is affected by such things as wildfires, the air inside can become uncomfortable as well. Homes are also a good place for many common allergens to thrive. Not everyone will be affected by...

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5 Simple Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

The air quality in your residence has a direct impact on your health. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health risks. Poor indoor air quality can cause various health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue. If you’re looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home, here are five simple things you can do: 1. Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly A good HVAC filter is one of the most important elements you need to have in your home or office. It plays a crucial role in helping maintain healthy indoor air quality by trapping large airborne particles such as dust, dirt, pet hair, and other allergens. However, the HVAC filter must be changed regularly — ideally, every 1–3 months — to function at its best. This ensures that it is fresh and can capture maximum amounts of these particles. When selecting your filter, make sure you go with a quality product that is rated for smaller particle capture so you can rest assured it’s providing you with clean air. Ultimately, changing out your filter routinely saves time and money by increasing efficiency while keeping everyone in the...

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Uncovering the 4 Major Threats to Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern as people spend a significant amount of time indoors. Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems such as headaches, allergies, and respiratory issues. Understanding these pollutants and the sources that contribute to their presence can improve indoor air quality. Here are four main causes of indoor air pollution. 1. Asbestos Asbestos is a major indoor air pollutant and a hazardous material commonly used in construction and insulation until the 1980s. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and are not visible to the naked eye. The fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. Asbestos fibers are not easily cleared from the lungs, and over time, they can cause significant damage to the respiratory system, leading to serious health problems. Asbestos exposure can lead to the development of lung diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos fibers can also cause other health problems, such as asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath and coughing. While the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated since the 1980s, many older buildings may still have asbestos-containing materials in them. If you live in an older home or...

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HVAC and Airborne Viruses: Separating Fact from Fiction

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Environmental Protection Agency have brought attention to the fact that indoor HVAC systems can affect airborne viruses. This concern has come even further to the forefront as the country and the entire world navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, let’s look at some common misconceptions in addition to some truths that deserve more exposure. We want to help you separate the facts from the fiction. Fact: Ventilation Can Distribute Airborne Viruses A ventilation system can certainly distribute some airborne viruses throughout a home. However, this does not apply to all airborne viruses. Distribution occurs more with germs that can be transmitted through aerosols. In such cases, inadequate ventilation can exacerbate the situation because, just as with pollution particles, those aerosols will accumulate over time. On the other hand, strong ventilation or even natural ventilation, such as opening a window, can mitigate this buildup by introducing fresh air. Fiction: Strong Ventilation Alone Is Enough to Combat Airborne Viruses Strong ventilation helps to ensure that virus-laden aerosols do not accumulate and increase your risk of infection. Your greatest risk of exposure, however, is immediate contact. You should socially...

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Minimizing Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution

It’s important to reduce your exposure to pollutants that can build up in your home. Particles, bacteria, and vapors can all negatively affect your health, Unfortunately, they can be found in large quantities indoors, especially during the winter. Taking steps to keep the air in your home as clean as possible is vital to the overall health of everyone living in a building. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Damaging particles and vapors can enter the home through a variety of sources. Personal care products can release vapors, pets can create dander, and mold can grow in moist areas. All of these can make asthma worse and cause a variety of respiratory illnesses. Other sources of indoor air pollution are radon seeping in through cracks in the foundation and building materials from recent construction. Even new furnishing and paint can release harmful volatile organic compounds. Improving Your Indoor Air Quality There are many ways that you can keep the air in your home clean and safe. The best thing to do is to bring in as much fresh air as possible. This can be done by opening windows and doors and encouraging air circulation. Even in the winter, opening a window...

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