- Detect Unintentional Air Leaks.Check around all windows and doors.
- Caulk Exterior Seams of the Home (such as windows to siding windows to brick, under the window sill etc).
- Replace missing, torn, or worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Air seal Sill Plate and Rim Joist (if applicable)
- Air Seal the Bypass of the Attic Floor to reduce Stack Effect.
- Dust and Vacuum Regularly
- Open Windows Regularly
- Place Air Purifier / Air Scrubber in Commonly Used Rooms.
- Clean your vents on a quarterly basis. PROPER WAY TO CLEAN YOUR VENTS: Soak the vent cover in warm, soapy water if there is any stubborn dirt.Keep soaking until that dirt loosens.Wipe the cover down with a wet rag. You can clean between the slats of the vent cover with any narrow cleaning tool, like a pipe cleaner, narrow soft brush or even a cotton swab.
- Clean the bathroom fan – It helps get rid of odors, airborne contaminants and moisture in the air. A fan covered in dust doesn’t work efficiently, eventually leading to mold, mildew and possibly a house fire.
Warning Signs of disturbing pollutants:
Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath could all be symptoms you experience if there is decaying vermin or mold in your air vents, and/or air ducts. The American Lung Association warns that poor indoor air quality can contribute to the spread of bacteria, infections, and even lung disease in extreme cases. If you see dirt and debris around your air vents, there is a good chance thatthey have a large number of contaminants flowing through the system. This can escalate allergy problems and other respiratory illnesses. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaningevery 3-5 years.
A Good Cleaning Tip:
White vinegar is a safe, natural and very effective mold and mildew killer. A study by a microbiologist at Good Housekeeping found that vinegar is 90 percent effective against mold, and 99.9 percent effective against bacteria. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances.
Warning:
Do not put filters in your supply vents. Your AC system should have a proper fitting filter on the return side.