Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Kelowna Home

By making a few changes, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Let’s explore the best ways to boost IAQ in your Kelowna home.

Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality in Kelowna Homes

Many different factors can lower the air quality in your home. If you or a loved one has asthma, allergies, or respiratory concerns, poor IAQ can make symptoms worse.

Here are some common indoor air pollutants:

• Dust and dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold and mildew
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products
• Smoke from cigarettes, cooking, or fireplaces
• Pollen and other outdoor allergens that enter your home
• Excess humidity or dry air
• Wildfire smoke – Every summer, wildfires in the Kelowna area send smoke drifting into homes, bringing in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can irritate lungs, worsen allergies, and make indoor air feel heavy and polluted.

During wildfire season, it’s important to keep windows closed, use high-efficiency air filters (MERV 13 or higher), and consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce smoke exposure indoors.

Now, let’s go over how you can reduce exposure to these pollutants and improve your IAQ.

Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly

Does the air in your home feel musty or stale when you run the heat or AC? Your HVAC filters may need changing. These filters trap dust, dander, and other particles, but when they get clogged, they reduce airflow and lower air quality.

• Check your filters once a month.
• If they look dusty or dirty, replace them.
• If you have pets, you may need to change filters more frequently.

Improve Air Quality with Houseplants

Did you know that some houseplants can help remove pollutants like VOCs and formaldehyde from the air? Adding a few plants can naturally improve IAQ while enhancing your home’s decor.

Top air-purifying plants that are safe for homes with pets:

• Spider plants
• Aloe vera
• Golden pothos
• Dracaena
• Rubber plants

Be sure to care for your plants properly, as overwatering can lead to mold growth.

Keep Dust and Pet Dander Under Control

Dust and pet dander can accumulate quickly and affect air quality. Reduce these allergens by:

• Vacuuming carpets, floors, upholstery, and curtains regularly.
• Dusting surfaces with a damp cloth to trap particles instead of spreading them.
• Washing pet beds and blankets frequently to minimize dander.

Maintain Ideal Humidity Levels

Humidity plays a crucial role in indoor air quality. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, while dry air can cause irritation and discomfort. Keep humidity levels between 30-60% for the best indoor environment.

Ways to control humidity:

• Use a dehumidifier in humid conditions.
• Use a humidifier when the air is too dry.
• Run exhaust fans in the bathroom while showering.
• Use kitchen fans while cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Set your HVAC system to fan mode to keep air circulating.

Let Fresh Air In When Possible

Opening windows can help refresh indoor air, but timing is important. Avoid opening windows if outdoor air quality is poor or humidity levels are high. Instead, ventilate your home when conditions are ideal to remove stale air and bring in fresh air.

Consider a Whole-Home Air Filtration System

If you want a long-term solution for cleaner air, whole-home air purification systems and dehumidifiers can work with your HVAC system to improve IAQ in every room. These systems help remove pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture more effectively than portable options.

Get Professional IAQ Solutions in Kelowna

Looking to improve the air quality in your home? At Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling, we provide expert IAQ solutions, including whole-home air filtration, purifiers, and dehumidifiers. Serving Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and West Kelowna, our team is here to help you breathe cleaner air.

Contact us today for a consultation!