Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Posted On: January 21, 2020

Indoor air quality is a serious concern for today’s homeowners. As building envelopes become increasingly tight in the name of efficiency, less fresh air is able to get into the home. Without fresh air, the home becomes stagnant. Indoor air pollutants recirculate through the HVAC system, creating increased problems for your family and their health. If you’re ready to take control of your indoor air quality, these six strategies can help.

Infographic with tips on how to improve air quality in your Minneapolis home.

To get help improving the air quality inside your home, call (612) 223-6158 or contact Genz-Ryan Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning online.

1. Add an Air Exchanger

One of the easiest ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home is to install a whole-home fresh air infusion system. These units will cycle the old air out, bringing fresh air in, while warming up the air before it distributes it throughout your home.

For more indoor air quality help in Minneapolis, call (612) 223-6158 to discuss your needs with Genz-Ryan.

2. Assess Carbon Monoxide Levels

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that, if inhaled in levels that are too high, can be fatal. Because CO is odorless, you may not know you have a problem until it reaches dangerous levels. CO is found in the exhaust of anything that burns fuel, including your gas stove, water heater, HVAC system, fireplace, car engine, generator, or grill.

To prevent CO accumulation, make sure all gas-burning appliances and features in your home are properly vented. The HVAC pros at Genz-Ryan can help. In addition, have CO detectors installed at crucial areas in your home. The electrical team at Genz-Ryan can assist with this task.

For more help protecting your home from CO, reach out to Genz-Ryan today.

3. Check for Smoke

Smoke from the fireplace, stove, candles, or even cigarettes, has a huge impact on the indoor air quality of your home. Check with an HVAC or electrical professional to ensure there is no smoke coming from your fireplace or appliances, but make sure you take your own measures to limit smoke in your home. If someone is a smoker in your home, ask them to smoke outdoors only. If you have a fireplace, build smaller fires near the back to send the smoke safely out the chimney. Cap the chimney to prevent animals from causing clogs inside.

If you suspect smoke to be a problem in your home, call (612) 223-6158 to discuss the problem with the team at Genz-Ryan.

4. Improve Ventilation in Your Home

In addition to an air exchanger, make sure you have proper ventilation in your home. You can talk to the electrical team at Genz-Ryan about installing exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom. These should exhaust to the outdoors, not another area of your home, to help improve ventilation in your home. Also, talk to an HVAC pro about additional ventilation options you can add that will not hurt your home’s efficiency but will improve your home’s overall indoor air quality.

To discuss ventilation in Minneapolis-St. Paul, contact Genz-Ryan today.

5. Focus on Humidity

Humidity levels in your home have a direct impact on its overall indoor air quality. If humidity levels are too high, you may struggle with mold and mildew growth. If it’s too low, you will struggle with respiratory discomfort and dry skin. Ideal humidity levels are between 30 and 45%. To ensure that yours stay this way, consider:

Measuring your humidity to see where it is
Installing a dehumidifier or humidifier to address your findings
Putting a stop to water leaks in your home
Properly venting your clothes dryer
Emptying the drip pans under your AC unit

Sometimes, controlling your home’s humidity requires a professional’s touch, and Genz-Ryan is here to help. Call today to get the help you need.

6. Add an Air Cleaner

Even with the above steps, you may have indoor air quality problems that you can’t avoid. Chemicals, like those you use to clean your home or prepare for your day, can cause problems with the air quality in your home. One way to combat that is with an air cleaner or purifier. Air purification systems and UV germicidal lamps can both help control germs and allergens inside your home, keeping things cleaner all year long.

Genz-Ryan installs germicidal lamps and indoor air purifiers. Contact us today to discuss your needs.