If you notice that your allergies become more severe in the summer months, it may be because you are spending more time indoors to avoid the Florida heat. But did you know that, according to the EPA, indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? While this statistic is alarming, you can still improve your indoor air quality in the summer with these five tips.

5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Summer

Use a Dehumidifier

If you don’t have one already, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier. During the hot and humid Florida summer months, pests and allergens thrive in the humidity. Dust mites are a common trigger for allergies and asthma, and they love the humidity. However, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, most dust mites die off in low humidity levels or extreme temperatures. Investing in a dehumidifier can help control dust mites and other allergens like mold from forming. Combating the humidity in Florida is difficult, but not impossible!

Have Your Pets Groomed Regularly

Pets shed more in the summer months to keep their bodies cool as well as prepare for their winter coats. Pet dander can negatively impact your indoor air quality and clog your filter faster. furry friends groomed regularly in the summer can help reduce the amount that they shed as well as keep them comfortable. Ask your groomer how short they can safely cut the hair, and try to keep it as short as possible in the summer months. You can also talk to your veterinarian about alternative methods to reduce pet dander in your home.

Change Your Air Filter Every Month

Your air filter is a crucial barrier between you and exposure to indoor air pollutants. Having a filter that is rated at least an 11 on the MERV scale can protect your home from numerous allergens. Equally important is to replace your air filter every month. You would be surprised how quickly an air filter can become ineffective when exposed to numerous allergens, especially in the summer months.

Consider UV Lighting

The inherent problem with AC units is that the ductwork stays cool and collects moisture almost constantly. By installing UV lighting to the interior ductwork, you can kill the mold and bacteria that thrive in those cool, dark environments. UV lighting is a simple and effective solution to reducing allergens in your home not just for the summer but all year round.

Contact Gator Air & Energy to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Gator Air & Energy has extensive experience dealing with indoor air quality. We offer many services that specifically target improving the quality of air in your home, including UV lighting, air filter replacement, and coil and pan cleaning. If you need help improving the air quality in your home, give us a call today.

Think about where you spend most of your time in an average week. If you’re like most Americans, you spend at least 90 percent of your time inside. Your home is an area that you would never consider a hot bed for air pollutants, but you would be wrong. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out that indoor air is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, making indoor air quality an important daily consideration. Here’s the ultimate indoor air quality cheat sheet on air quality to help you breathe easier at home every day. 

Choose an Air Filter

While the primary function of an HVAC air filter is to prevent dust from settling on the equipment, an added benefit is cleaner indoor air. When you shop for an air filter replacement, look for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). This tells you how efficient the filter is on a scale from 1 to 16. To maintain a balance between airflow and efficiency, opt for a MERV 5 to 8 filter. Unless you have severe asthma or allergies, this is plenty efficient for your needs.

Run an Air Cleaner

A small portable air cleaner is perfect for your bedroom at night while you sleep. This device collects airborne dust and debris, leaving the air cleaner than ever. If you opt for a whole-house model, it replaces the air filter. This type of installation is known to decrease asthma and allergy symptoms. To learn how to get a whole-house air cleaner in your home, contact Gator Air and Energy.

Change the Filter Regularly

Changing the HVAC filter is one of the easiest ways to help improve indoor air quality. Stock up on a few at a time, that way you can easily replace the filter when the time comes. Plan to check the filter monthly and change it after no more than three months to keep airflow and efficiency at their peak.

Dust and Vacuum Often

It’s easy to put off dusting and vacuuming, but removing dust means you get rid of one of your home’s most prevalent pollutants. Dust with a wet rag or electrostatic cloth instead of a feather duster to trap debris instead of spreading it around. When you vacuum, turn the thermostat setting to ON so the fan blows continuously, drawing up dusty air and filtering it before sending it back into the air you breathe.

Avoid Chemicals

Everything from cleaning products to air fresheners to personal care items give off harmful vapors that become trapped in your home. Avoid chemically laden products and choose non-toxic, non-aerosol, unscented products instead to promote good indoor air quality.

Make Your Pet a Priority

If you want to avoid putting your furry friend up for adoption, make it a priority to brush and bathe your pet regularly. Wash his bedding frequently and make your bedroom a no-go zone for Fido. These efforts should reduce the amount of dander floating around the air and nestling in the upholstery, especially bedding.

Increase Ventilation

Aside from keeping your windows open all the time, whole-house ventilation is the best way to replace stuffy, stale indoor air with fresh, clean outdoor air. If you’re not ready to take that step, utilize existing spot ventilation around your home. For example, run the bathroom exhaust fan when you shower and clean; flip on the kitchen range vent when you cook and clean; and turn on the laundry room exhaust vent when clothes are drying. These habits help you eliminate pollutants at the source. With our ultimate indoor air quality cheat sheet, you’ll be breathing easier in no time.

Contact Gator Air & Energy for Indoor Air Quality Services

If you’re in the Gainesville, Florida area and are looking to improve the air quality in your home, call Gator Air and Energy. Our technicians care about the comfort of your home and wish to help you live a healthier lifestyle through indoor air quality. Call us today to learn more.