Top Indoor Air Quality Tips For Your Phoenix Area Home!
As the intense summer heat begins to die down and the kids head back to school, many of us in Phoenix are ready to embrace the cooler days of fall. However, this season brings its own set of challenges, from the lingering heat to the threat of monsoons and haboobs that stir up dust, pollen and all kinds of particles that can seep into our houses. With so much time spent indoors, it’s more important than ever to check that the air inside our homes remains clean and healthy. As you start your fall home preparations, now is a great time to focus on how to improve your indoor air quality.
Hobaica Services is happy to help walk you through some solutions and ideas as we explore our top fall indoor air quality tips!
Solution #1 – Get an Air Purifier
Dry air is always a concern in Phoenix, but many new residents are often surprised to learn about the seasonal allergies this time of the year that are associated with mold spores and pollen. Increased grass, weeds and mold, due to the monsoons of August & September, present a significant indoor air quality concern - especially if left unaddressed. Dry air, coupled with high pollen counts, contributes to a number of health risks including:
- Nosebleeds
- Coughing & sore throat
- Allergies & sinus congestion
- Weakened immune systems from dried-out membranes in the throat and nose
- Dry eyes
- Itching, flaking skin
- Chapped lips
- Flare-ups of acne & eczema
An air purifier from Hobaica Services, installed in your HVAC air handler, is an energy-efficient and highly effective way to avoid the health concerns referenced above. Air purifiers:
Eliminate Harmful Particles
Air purifiers are designed to capture and remove a wide range of pollutants, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even certain bacteria and viruses. This is especially beneficial in Phoenix, where desert dust and allergens are prevalent throughout the fall season.
Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
By filtering out common irritants, air purifiers can help leave you with cleaner air. Cleaner air means fewer triggers and a more comfortable living environment for sensitive individuals.
Neutralize Unpleasant Odors
Air purifiers can help neutralize and remove unwanted odors so your home smells fresh and inviting.
Enhance Overall Health
Breathing clean air supports better respiratory health and can boost your immune system, which is particularly important during the school year when colds and flu are more common.
Improve HVAC Efficiency
Incorporating an air purifier into your HVAC system can help keep your heating and cooling equipment cleaner, potentially improving efficiency and extending the lifespan of your system.
Solution #2 – Change Air Filters Regularly, Especially With Pets
Furry friends are the best! Unfortunately, pet hair everywhere is the worst, especially with allergies. If you have a pet but also have a hard time being around pet dander, one thing you can do to help your air quality is to change your air filter more often than recommended - about once a month. This helps trap more dander before it circulates throughout your home and HVAC system.
Hobaica Services provides a convenient online store where you can order filters and have them delivered right to your door. You can also set up auto-delivery so you are always supplied with the right filters for your home at the right time.
Solution #3 – Skip the Air Fresheners and Opt For House Plants
We get it, part of what is exciting about the fall season is the rich smells that take you right back to good memories! But artificial fragrances can have all kinds of chemicals in them, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are bad for your health. Instead of a can of air freshener or candles, try:
- Potpourri or diffusers made with essential oils
- Eucalyptus clippings
- Sachets with cloves
- Clove studded oranges
- Fresh-cut flowers
House plants can also help clean your air quality. Indoor plants like peace lilies, spider plants, or snake plants not only bring a refreshing touch of greenery to your home but also act as natural air filters. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, they help reduce indoor pollutants and improve overall air quality.
Solution #4 – Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
In addition to regularly changing your air filters, you should schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your indoor air quality at its best. Over time, dust, dirt, and other pollutants can build up in your HVAC system, reducing its efficiency and circulating contaminants throughout your home. During a tune-up, your system is thoroughly cleaned, including the air ducts, coils, and filters. This helps prevent the spread of dust, mold, and bacteria.
Additionally, a well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, providing consistent airflow and maintaining proper humidity levels, which are key factors in keeping your home’s air clean and healthy. Regular maintenance also allows HVAC professionals to identify and address potential mold growth or leaks early so that your system will not inadvertently contribute to indoor air pollution.
Sign up today for Hobaica’s Total Care Club! You’ll not only receive regular HVAC maintenance visits but discounts, priority service and more!
Solution #5 - Get Your Ducts Cleaned
Duct cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the quality of the air inside your home. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants can accumulate in your ductwork, creating a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and allergens. As your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, these pollutants can be dispersed into your living spaces.
By having your ducts professionally cleaned, you can remove these contaminants and reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air you breathe. Clean ducts also help your HVAC system run better for longer. This not only improves indoor air quality but can also extend the life of your HVAC system and lower energy costs. For households with pets, allergy sufferers, or those who have recently undergone home renovations, duct cleaning is especially beneficial in maintaining a clean, healthy indoor environment.
Solution #6 - Fix Your Temperature
The temperature of your home can significantly impact indoor air quality in ways that might not be immediately obvious. When a room or house becomes too hot, it can create an environment where pollutants, such as dust, mold, and bacteria, thrive. High temperatures can also lead to increased humidity levels, which can encourage mold growth and exacerbate respiratory issues. On the other hand, overly dry air due to excessive cooling can cause dryness in the respiratory passages, making you more susceptible to allergies and infections.
Our air conditioning repair and installation services ensure that your home's cooling system maintains a comfortable and consistent temperature. A well-functioning air conditioner not only cools the air but also helps to regulate humidity levels, which is key to preventing the growth of mold and maintaining good indoor air quality.
In addition to air conditioning services, our attic insulation solutions play a vital role in temperature control. Proper insulation helps keep your home cool by reducing the amount of cool air that escapes through the roof. This means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
For those looking for targeted cooling solutions, our ductless mini-split systems are an excellent option. These systems allow for precise temperature control in specific areas of your home, like that one room we all have that always stays hot, without the need for extensive ductwork. By cooling only the rooms you use, you can avoid the overcooling or overheating of unused spaces. Ductless systems also feature advanced filtration options that help remove airborne contaminants, further enhancing your home's indoor air quality.
Phoenix’s Indoor Air Quality Specialists!
We are always here for you at Hobaica Services! If we can help you improve your home’s Indoor Air Quality, please feel free to give us a call at 602-633-9555 for a no-strings-attached FREE indoor air consultation.
