Ross and Witmer 
As winter approaches and you spend extra time staying warm indoors, keeping your Charlotte, North Carolina, home healthy is more important than ever. Follow these six tips to maintain healthy indoor air this winter.
Get Fixated on Microfiber
If you’ve never given a second thought to the equipment you use for cleaning, take a closer look at microfiber. These densely woven cloths are made for trapping particles, and they can capture impressive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, and potential allergens. Since microfiber is available as cleaning mitts, mops, and everything in between, these cloths can trap particles on just about any surface. No matter where you use them, they’ll grab allergens instead of simply stirring them into your home’s air supply.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning your home on a regular basis is important for your family’s health and well-being, but using harsh cleaning solutions can have the opposite effect. Many store-bought cleaning supplies are packed with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that off-gas from the liquid formulas and turn into harmful airborne contaminants. Once airborne, these chemicals can cause respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Instead of compromising your family’s health with these harmful chemicals, try using gentler homemade cleaning products made with vinegar, baking soda, or citrus.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
Your HVAC system’s air filter plays a major role in regulating indoor air quality in your home. In order for it to be effective, though, it’s important to change the air filter regularly. Most HVAC experts recommend replacing the air filter every one to three months, depending on usage. Throughout the summer and winter, when you’re using the HVAC system most, be sure to change out the air filter once a month. When you decrease HVAC usage during the milder spring and fall seasons, revert to replacing the filter every three months.
Schedule a Home Health Assessment
With so many allergens and potentially harmful contaminants in most Charlotte homes, determining the source of an indoor air quality problem can be a real challenge. When you need professional help, schedule a Home Health Assessment with the experienced technicians at Ross & Witmer. With this assessment, we won’t leave anything to chance. We’ll start with a homeowner consultation to pinpoint any known issues.
From there, we’ll perform a full attic inspection to check the HVAC system, ductwork, and insulation. We’ll also complete a basement or crawlspace inspection to locate any moisture problems and look for indoor air quality issues. We’ll also do a complete exterior inspection to confirm adequate ventilation and look for drainage issues. Finally, we’ll provide you with a report and scorecard so you know exactly how your home measures up. After the assessment, we’ll consult with you regarding additional steps and helpful measures to take.
Enhance the Insulation
After a Home Health Assessment, one of the most common steps homeowners take is adding to their existing insulation. Since most homes weren’t built to maximize either indoor air quality or energy efficiency, sealing and insulating is often necessary. The technicians at Ross & Witmer can walk you through your insulation options, which include spray foam for sealing the building envelope, cellulose for insulating sound, and glass-free insulation for additional energy efficiency. No matter which option is right for your home, insulation can better seal your home for healthier indoor air quality.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Excess moisture in the air has a major impact on your home’s indoor air quality. Though high humidity is often a summer issue, many Charlotte homeowners continue to struggle with humidity year-round. It’s important to keep in mind that high humidity goes beyond just discomfort. Excess moisture in the air can encourage mold and mildew to grow, and it can also encourage dust mites and other allergens to thrive. If your HVAC system alone can’t control the humidity adequately, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier to lower humidity levels throughout your home.
Want to make sure your home’s air is as clean and pure as possible? Call Ross & Witmer to talk indoor air quality today: 704-392-6188.