Frank's Mr. Plumber
Indoor Air Quality Tips
Keeping the Air in & around Your Home Clean
Besides air sealing a home to prevent unconditioned air from entering, here are some tips to help reduce problems caused by polluted indoor and outdoor air:
- Stay aware of local weather reports for news of pollution blown in from fires nearby or other areas. Many communities offer forecasts for the next day's expected air pollution levels. Levels predicted to be orange, red or purple days signal unhealthy levels of ozone. However, pollution from fires may bring unhealthy levels of soot or fine particle pollution, which may be on days when ozone levels are not high.
- On days when air pollution from fires (or other sources) is predicted to be high, limit time spent outdoors and avoid exercise outside, especially if you have asthma, lung disease, or are a child or senior.
- Use a high efficiency furnace filter and replace it every two to three months. A high efficiency filter not only protects the furnace, but can also capture up to 30 times more pollutants such as smoke, pet dander and pollen than standard fiberglass filters.
- So that air is always passing through the filter, run the furnace fan continuously regardless of the outdoor temperature. To do so, set the furnace thermostat to the "on," rather than the "auto," position.
- Have a professional inspect the furnace once a year to make sure that the air intake is adequate and the unit is operating at peak efficiency. A smooth-running furnace helps the filter capture more soot particles in the home.
- Prohibit smoking in the home.
- Make sure gas cooking appliances are vented to the outdoors.
Tips courtesy of American Lung Association
