How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
As outside air has become increasingly polluted, people are spending more and more time indoors - research suggests approximately 90% of time is spent inside our homes and businesses.
A recent study by the EPA suggests that air inside our homes, businesses, etc. can be more polluted than “even the largest and most industrialized cities.”1
Most of us are unaware of the hazardous small particle contaminants in the air and the affect these contaminants have on our daily lives because the air we breathe and ingest is invisible (“out of sight, out of mind”). Common indoor contaminants can include carbon monoxide, radon, nitrogen dioxide, fine lead particles, dust mites, mold, viruses and bacteria, and pet dander. These contaminants can pose threats to both our immediate and long-term health and well-being.
| Immediate Effects | Long Term Effects |
|---|---|
| Irritated eyes, nose, and throat | Respiratory Diseases |
| Headaches | Heart Disease |
| Dizziness | Cancer |
| Asthma | Liver, kidney and central nervous system damage |
There are various steps you can take to help protect yourself from these contaminants and adverse health effects, but one of the easiest and inexpensive steps you can take is to change your air/furnace filter regularly.
Although no defined standard exists for how often you should change your furnace filter, the recommendations below, based on how much traffic your home or office receives, can help determine how often your air/furnace filter needs to be changed.
| How Many Occupants and Pets? | How Much Traffic? | Change Filters Every: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 occupant, no pets | Low | 3 - 6 Months |
| 2-4 occupants, no pets | Moderate | 3 months (90 days) |
| 2-4 occupants, 1 pet | Moderate | 2 months (60 days) |
| 2+ occupants, 2+ pets | Heavy | 1 month (30 days) |
Because every filter environment is different, we suggest you periodically check your filters for dirt and dust. A good rule of thumb: Replace your filter if the filter material is no longer visible and there is a thick layer of dirt and dust coating it.
Thanks for reading! Tune in to our June blog post to find out just how much money you can save by regularly changing your air/furnace filters!
1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality#reference-ETS
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