May is Asthma Awareness Month and the least we can do for those who are sensitive to less than ideal air quality (especially our little ones!) is provide them with clean air in the home.

There are a surprising number of sources that can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), including allergens, dust, food and grease particles from cooking in the kitchen, bathroom humidity, and others. Another slightly unexpected (but perfectly logical) reason for poor air quality is the newer tightly crafted homes.

Air King's powerful 3560 window fan

Today’s newer homes are built with top-notch weatherization. In other words, new homes include fewer ways for air to escape (good for your energy bills). But this also means any number of pollutants (like gas, asbestos, moisture, a host of allergens, etc.) can remain trapped inside your home with nowhere to go.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help clear the air.

To improve IAQ, make sure you’re venting air to the outside. This can be accomplished by increasing the amount of outdoor air coming indoors and includes living spaces like the:

• Bathroom: open a window or install a ventilation fan

• Kitchen: flip the switch on a range hood or open a window or skylight

• Bedroom: open a window, door or skylight, or turn on a ceiling fan

• Attic: install an attic ventilation fan

• Living room/family room/great room: open a window, door or skylight, or turn on a ceiling fan

• Whole house: change your HVAC system’s filters regularly, install a whole house fan, or install a recovery ventilator or whole house HEPA filtration system

For those seeking the top of the line air quality in their homes, the whole house option is the way to go. Whole house fans can quickly replace the air in your home in minutes. Make sure you open a window, the pressure from one of these fans is likely to suck the soot right out of your fireplace! One great feature of whole house fans is the amount of energy they save during. By drawing in the cool evening air you can seriously reduce your dependance on your AC to cool your home during the summer. They can also clear the air in the event you create a cloud of smoke in the kitchen, don’t ask how I know…

The Broan HEPA filter

Recovery ventilators and HEPA filtration systems are larger units, similar in size to an air conditioner. These air replacement systems can offer constant filtration, humidity control, and general ventilation of your home and are a great solution to homes with serious ventilation needs.

In short, ensuring stale indoor air gets vented to the out-of-doors will improve IAQ and help alleviate any discomfort felt by those who are sensitive to poor IAQ.

Until next time, Happy Home Improving!

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