In addition to having your air ducts cleaned your family can do things to control air pollution and biological pollutants in your home. Here are some tips compiled from publications of the Environmental Protection Agency, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Lung Association:
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
- Never cook with charcoal inside your home. Make sure wood or coal stoves are vented to the outside and that the exhaust systems don’t leak.
- Confine cigarette smoke to one room, equip that room with an air cleaner, and open a window or run an exhaust fan for extra ventilation.
- Fix water leaks or seepage problems and replace water damaged wallboard or other materials to prevent mold growth.
- Wash your bedding often in hot water to reduce dust mites.
- Throw out any water-damaged carpets, drapes, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture, and ceiling tiles unless they can be thoroughly steam cleaned or washed in hot water and dried.
- Remove and replace wet insulation.
- Keep shower curtains clean and install bathroom exhaust fans to exhaust moisture.
- Clean refrigerator and humidifier drain pans.
- Change or clean heating and air conditioning filters on a timely basis.
- Do not mix chemical cleaners. Especially, never mix cleaners containing bleach with ammonia products.
- Provide ample ventilation when using paint, varnish, solvents, oven cleaner, or other chemicals.
- Have window or wall air-conditioning units cleaned and serviced regularly.
Remember with only a small effort on your part, and the assistance of the experts at your local duct cleaning company, you can ensure that your whole family breathes safe, clean and healthy air!