According to The Texas Tribune, the Dallas area has some of the most polluted air in the nation. A dense population, coal-burning plants, heavy traffic, and little precipitation are just a few of the factors that contribute to the problem. Luckily, poor air quality outside doesn’t mean your family can’t breathe easy in the comfort of your Texas home.
Take Care of Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner does more than keep you cool during hot weather. It can also trap dust, particles, and other allergens. Make sure you replace the unit’s filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. Call in a professional for a yearly maintenance check-up to help prevent serious repairs down the road.
Keep an Eye on Outdoor Air Quality
After a long day cooped up at school, your kids might be eager to go outside and play. Before you give them the go-ahead, check the air quality index with an organization such as AirNow. They mark some days as “Action Days,” which means that people with respiratory problems should avoid spending too much time outside.
Be Diligent About Cleaning
You probably have a robust weekly cleaning routine already, but you should not neglect deeper cleaning. Some homeowners may forget about their draperies, comforters, and blankets, but these big pieces of fabric can become hotspots for allergens.
When you’re cleaning, use products that have a seal of approval from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. These items don’t release airborne chemicals that may exacerbate breathing problems.
Ask your kids and visitors to take their shoes off at the door. Shoes can trap microbes in carpets, leading to air quality problems.
Keep Air Circulating
During cool evenings and mornings, open doors and windows to get the air moving throughout your home. If the outdoor air quality is too poor for this, use your ceiling fans to create circulation. Stagnant air often holds harmful pollutants.
If you’re ready for that yearly maintenance on your air conditioner, or you think it’s time for a new unit, call Bill Joplin’s at 888-414-4655.
