Summer in Florida may be associated with fresh, clean air and plenty of sunbathing! But did you know that Florida’s hot and humid weather can make a significant contribution to poor air quality in a variety of ways, with serious health consequences?
During the summer, allergen levels are higher. Furthermore, as different plants bloom, they can emit contaminants into your home. Higher humidity levels also increase the chances of microbial growth.
Do You Know Why Air Quality Is Bad When It’s Hot Out?
Summer heat and humidity can lead to poor air quality both outdoors and indoors. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides react with other chemicals and hydrocarbons as exposed to the sunlight forming ozone gas. Though high ozone levels in the atmosphere protect us from the harmful rays of the sun, ozone gas at ground level is harmful when breathe. It is considered a toxic gas that can cause cardiovascular illness and respiratory problems.
Summertime Impacts the Indoor Air Quality
Warmer weather means more travel, which can significantly increase air pollution levels. As summer means more time spent outdoors, it also means more time in the presence of allergens and pollutants, or with windows and doors open to catch a summer breeze, bringing them in and increasing indoor air pollution.
Keep Your Cool This Summer
The facts have been set out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the summer or continue to be worried about the indoor air quality in your home! Here are some home maintenance tips to help you maintain your indoor air quality during summer:
IAQ Tips During Summer:
1. Bring in some indoor houseplants that are known to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Choosing the right air purifying plants for your home can help in the purification of the air in your living spaces.
Snake Plant
It is one of the most effective plants for removing formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air. You’ll get a good night’s sleep if you keep this plant in your bedroom. This yellow-tipped succulent, releases oxygen at night, allowing you to breathe more easily while sleeping.
Spider Plant
If you’re new to houseplants and have a pet, this resilient spider plant is an excellent choice. This is one of the few houseplants that isn’t toxic to pets.
Aloe Vera
While soothing any kitchen burns, this succulent will be purifying the air of formaldehyde and benzene, both of which are found in varnishes, floor finishes, and detergents.
Chinese Evergreen
This tropical plant is very good at getting rid of formaldehyde and benzene, which are found in many detergents and cosmetics.
Pothos or Devil’s Ivy
Consider this plant if you’re not very good at taking care of plants. It works well in most light conditions and has large, waxy leaves that keep the air in your home clean.
2. Use the thermostat in an energy-efficient manner.
3. Invest in an environmentally friendly air purifier to improve your indoor air quality. Vollara, for example, is a company that uses cutting-edge technology, and we strongly suggest you buy from them.
ActivePure® Technology is used in Vollara air purifiers, and it has been proved to decrease 99.9% of several common airborne and surface contaminants like viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, VOCs, and smoke, allergens, and odors.
Keep in mind, however, that air purifiers work best when used in combination with appropriate filtration and maintenance.
4. Invest In mechanical ventilation. Seal leaks and windows.
5. Check for leaks in faucets and showers, as well as other spots where moisture is likely to accumulate. Mold and mildew can thrive in these types of environments.
6. Check your air filter regularly and replace it if necessary. FilterFetch can assist you in determining which filters are required for your HVAC system. What’s even better is that when it’s time to replace your filters, they send you an automated email reminder! And they will give you a discount if you use the coupon CD6X.
7. Clean the condenser unit or schedule an HVAC tune-up. Preventative measures are preferable to costly fixes!
Don’t Be a Hot Air Head: Breathe Easy This Summer
1. Avoid going out during heat waves or at the hottest times of the day.
2. Try to schedule your daily outdoor activities in the morning or evening, when the heat and humidity are at their lowest.
3. Reduce your exposure to air pollution and use the EPA’s AirNow website to check your local air quality before heading out.
Check to see if your home is ready for the summer! Contact Coastal Air Assessments to ensure the quality of your indoor air before the heat arrives!
We provide a wide range of indoor air quality services, from mold inspections to silica testing and more. If you’d like to learn more or set up an appointment with our team, please call (561) 400-0929 or email coastalairassessments@gmail.com.
With Pure Dedication to Pure Air, we proudly serve Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast!