Want to breathe healthier air at home?
The typical homeowner thinks changing their HVAC filter annually is enough.
Replace the filter, dust off the vents, problem solved.
Except…
It’s not.
Here’s the issue:
That dirty filter represents only a fraction of your home’s air quality and airflow problems.
Poor airflow originates from sources you may not even think about on a daily basis. Sources you may unknowingly expose your family to if left untreated.
But there’s good news.
Improving airflow and air quality throughout your home can be simple. Once you know what to look for.
What You’ll Learn:
- Changing the filter doesn’t solve your airflow problem
- There’s a hidden villain lurking underneath your home
- 5 Easy Ways To Improve Airflow In Your Home
- Signs Your Home has Poor Air Quality
Changing the Filter Doesn’t Solve Your Airflow Problem
Hold on a minute…
Changing your HVAC filter is necessary. But did you know it only solves part of the air quality issue?
The EPA tells us the average person spends 90% of their time indoors.
We spend a lot of time inside our homes. More time than we should probably.
And that leads me to my next point.
The levels of pollutants found in your indoor air can be 2-5x higher than outdoor pollutants.
In extreme cases, it can be up to 100x more polluted than outdoor air. Simply changing your filter won’t fix all of these pollutants.
Your heating and air system is constantly pulling air from every corner of your home. And if the air it’s pulling in is contaminated, guess what? Your filter can only do so much.
So what else is making your indoor air unhealthy?
There’s a Hidden Villain Lurking Underneath Your Home
If you said your crawl space, you’re correct.
Most homeowners don’t realize crawl space conditions play a huge role in the air you breathe inside your home.
Studies show approximately 60% of your upstairs air flows up from below your home.
Let that sink in.
60% of the air inside your living room, kitchen, and bedroom all come from your crawl space.
If your crawl space is full of mold, moisture, debris, or other pollutants, that air comes straight up into your living spaces.
And it happens because of airflow.
Warm air naturally rises throughout your home. It enters through cracks in your flooring and is pushed through your vents by your HVAC system.
That “stack effect” is why airborne pollutants grow in your crawl space and eventually make their way up to your living areas.
Professional crawl space cleaning is one of the best ways to improve air quality inside your home.
Until you remove these contaminants at the source, high-end air filters won’t make much of a difference.
5 Easy Ways To Improve Airflow In Your Home
You’re probably wondering how to actually clean your crawl space. Or how to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.
I’ve got you covered.
Below are five simple tips you can use today to improve your airflow and air quality.
Clean Your Crawl Space
This should be your number one priority.
If you have dirt floors in your crawl space, you have a recipe for disaster.
Left untouched, crawl spaces attract moisture. And where there’s moisture, there’s mold, mildew, and allergens.
Professional crawl space cleaning gets rid of:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Pest droppings
- Dust
- Soil
- Moisture
It stops the spread of contaminants at its origin. Meaning your heating and cooling system won’t have to push around polluted air.
Seal Your Home From Air Leaks
Air leaks are more than an energy efficiency problem.
They also allow air to flow in from places like your attic, crawl space, and garage.
Take a walk around the interior of your home and seal any gaps you find with caulk or weatherstripping.
Pay special attention to:
- Around windows and doors
- Where pipes and wires enter
- Large gaps (found in crawl spaces/attics)
Sealing these areas allows you to better control where your air comes from.
Add A Vapor Barrier
Speaking of crawl spaces.
If you have exposed dirt floors in your crawl space, you’re stirring up dust and moisture every time you walk in there.
That air travels from your crawl space and flows right into the air throughout your home.
Installing a vapor barrier is a thick plastic sheet that seals your crawl space floor.
It prevents moisture from seeping into your indoor air and causing all sorts of problems.
Upgrade Your Home’s Ventilation
Believe it or not, your HVAC system needs all the help it can get.
Consider installing an exhaust fan in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
These fans help ventilate humid air out of your home before it has a chance to spread.
You may also want to look into getting a whole-house dehumidifier. It works with your HVAC system to keep humidity levels where they should be.
Keep Your Ductwork Clean
If your home’s ductwork is filthy, it’s only pushing dust and dirt throughout your home.
Regular duct maintenance will keep your airflow clean. Look for:
- Dust build up
- Mold inside ductwork
- Leaks or holes
- Pest control issues
The cleaner your ducts, the cleaner your air will be.
Signs Your Home has Poor Air Quality
Not sure if your home suffers from poor air quality? Here are a few things to look out for.
Symptoms:
- Chronic headaches or dizziness
- Worsening allergies when at home
- Feeling tired all the time
- General respiratory problems
Visual:
- Mold anywhere in your home
- Thick layers of dust
- Condensation on windows
- Odors you can’t quite place
Testing:
You can purchase a hygrometer from your local hardware store.
This device allows you to test the humidity levels in your home. The ideal range for indoor humidity is between 30-50%.
If you experience any of the symptoms or signs above, chances are your indoor air quality could be better.
Wrapping It Up
Increasing your home’s airflow doesn’t start with changing a filter.
It starts by identifying the hidden pollutants throughout your home and stopping them at the source.
Your crawl space is often the largest contributor to this problem.
