Improving Indoor Air Quality for Winter

During the summer, most of us try to have our windows and doors open as much as possible to make the most of the fresh air and light, but now fall is well and truly here and winter is peeking round the corner and it's an excellent time to take a look at your indoor air quality. Did you know that poor indoor air quality is one of the five top environmental health risks? During the summer months this risk is mitigated due to the extra ventilation, but with the coming of winter it may be worth looking at an air cleaning device such as an ultraviolet air cleaner. These devices are designed to remove pollutants from the air, and can be installed in the duct work of a home. The best time to doing this is generally after duct cleaning has been carried out as it would then be able to clean the air throughout the whole house far more efficiently. You can also get portable air cleaners to just clean specific areas of your home. The choice isn't just limited to ultraviolet air cleaners as you can buy other different types of cleaners, all of which will help improve indoor air quality. It is best to ask a qualified installer for their opinion and advice.

Different Types of Air Cleaners Available to Remove Pollutants from Your Home

Different types of air cleaners on the market include air filters designed to remove particles, although these tend to be most effective at removing smaller particles that remain in the air for a longer period of time. There are also filters designed to remove gases, but these generally tend to be less frequently used and need replacing often. Others are biological filters and are designed to remove bacteria and mold spores. Certain types of mold and bacteria can be more resistant to normal and ultraviolet radiation, requiring long exposures to be killed.

Advantages of Improving Air Quality

The advantages of improving air quality, especially in time for winter are pretty obvious. This is especially true for homes where there are elderly people, small children or people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Improving indoor air quality could help reduce their symptoms, although some allergens are likely to remain as they tend to settle more quickly. This means householders who do install additional devices to improve indoor air quality will still need to take extra measures to control allergens, such as frequently vacuuming carpets and furniture and washing sheets and soft furnishings to help remove allergens. It is worth bearing in mind that air cleaning devices won't necessarily remove odors, as many tend to be designed to remove particles.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Detection for winter

During the winter months, carbon monoxide leaks can become far more of a problem, especially as this is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely toxic. It can kill you before you are even aware it is present, and even at low levels can produce unpleasant symptoms that often feel like the flu. These include dizziness, nausea, headaches and fatigue, although they can vary greatly from person to person. In addition to making sure appliances are properly maintained, it's easy to fit an economical measuring device that will alert you if levels rise dangerously, and it could save your life.