July 20, 2020
Fresh, clean air is a precious commodity. In some cases, we take it for granted as we take in a big breath. However, you want to make sure that the air in your apartment or condo is fresh, clean, and safe. With a few steps, you can have healthier air in your living spaces.
Always Keep It Moving
Stagnate air can cause many problems in your apartment or condo. For good indoor air quality, you need proper ventilation. When the air is not moving, it can lead to a buildup of allergens, odors, and stale air. Issues with air circulation can be found in many places, especially older buildings. These properties might not have the right system to balance out your air ducts. For those who think that they have an issue with circulation, you can always contact the building’s owner for inspection. A professional HVAC company will see if there is an obstruction or blockage in the ductwork. Once that is removed, you should be able to enjoy clean air.
You will need to keep those ducts and air vents free from any clutter or debris. While maintenance of these components might be a chore for your landlord, it is still your responsibility to keep them clean and obstruction-free. If you have an energy-efficient residence, you could also run into stagnant air due to airtight windows and doors. During those warmer months, you may want to make sure to open the windows to release some stale air. In the winter, you can always run a room filter or fan to move around the air in the room. The main point is to keep the air in constant motion. If you fail to do this, you can be stuck with unhealthy air in your condo or apartment.
Respect Other Tenants
In almost all cases, we cannot choose our neighbors. However, we can be a good neighbor by not using some products that can decrease the quality of your indoor air. You will not only improve your health but the health of others as well. There are three categories of indoor pollutants, and they all can cause severe problems for your health. These categories include combustible contaminants, volatile organic compounds, and asthma/allergy pollutants.
Combustible pollutants can be found in particles that come from stoves, water heaters, space heaters, dryers, and fireplaces. In most cases, these appliances are not adequately vented and can cause issues in your apartment or condo. These combustible pollutants include nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Once they leak into your living space, you might be left with serious health concerns.
Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that are released as gases from solids or liquids. You can typically find them in varnishes, paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and glues. However, some VOCs are found in makeup products and air fresheners, too. These products contain harmful pollutants like acetone, ethylene, and formaldehyde.
Finally, asthma and allergy triggers can include dust mites, mold, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. Mold can be found on soft textiles like pillows, and you can be exposed to pet dander from your four-legged friend. Before you use these products in your apartment or condo, you need to take some extra precautions.
If there is an issue with an appliance, you may have to contact your landlord. A professional technician will need to come out to your residence and fix the problem. You can also turn on the ducts to suck out the pollutants if you need to use them in your residence. You will get the smell out of your apartment, and you can stop it from seeping into your neighbor’s living spaces, too. For those worried about mold, dust, and dander, you should keep up with vacuuming and cleaning. With some extra work, you can cut down on those pollutants that can spell trouble for you.
Invest in Your Health
If all else fails, you will want to install an air purifier in your condo or apartment. These systems can help to clean the air and keep it healthy for you. It is vital to choose a product with a HEPA filter. These filters have the ability to block out most pollutants in the air. You do want to avoid any product that will push increased levels of ozone into the air. Excess ozone is known to cause breathing problems in many people.
You can also decide to go down the natural path and purchase some healthy plants for your space. NASA has a list of plants that can help to reduce VOCs and other pollutants. If you have a pet, you might want to schedule regular grooming trips. Those visits can help keep your dog or cat healthy as you eliminate some of the dander that can cause allergies.
Keep Up With Maintenance
While your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of your apartment or condo, there are a few things that you can do to improve the air quality. You want to make sure to change the air filters in your residence, especially for your air conditioner, furnace, vacuum, and air purifiers.
Moisture gauges are helpful if you want to track the levels in your apartment or condo. You should have a healthy humidity level of 45%. If the levels are too high or low, then it can lead to dry air or mold growth. A humidifier can add some moisture to the air, while a dehumidifier will take out all of that excess humidity.
Ask for Help
If you are still concerned about your residence’s indoor air quality, it might be time to turn to the building’s owner. Severe indoor quality issues will need the help of a professional. When the problem is found, it can be pretty easy to fix. In many cases, your heating and cooling system might just need a deep cleaning.
For those issues with airflow, you can reach out and ask about installing vents in the bathrooms or other spaces. If you own your space, then you can make a few improvements to help to keep the air quality at an optimal level. It will mean a healthier air quality for you and those who live in your building.
With the best quality of air, you will have a better quality of life. The correct maintenance and equipment can help to ensure that everyone in your apartment or condo will have a chance to breathe easier.
We Can Help to Keep You Comfortable
At Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can handle all heating, cooling, and plumbing issues for customers in the greater Atlanta area. Since 1989, our family-owned business has provided the best customer service in town. We want you to stay comfortable and breathe easier all year. We even offer emergency services for immediate repairs. All of our plumbing and HVAC work comes with customer satisfaction guarantees. Our team will help to find the right equipment for your residence, including indoor air quality products. We work with Carrier products, but we can service all makes and models. When you need help with your home comfort systems in Norcross, GA, make sure to call Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today!
