You should be taking steps to protect your home from particulate matter. Did you know that over 3 million deaths per year can be attributed to poor air quality? Unfortunately, air pollution is no longer a developing world problem: in the United States alone, an estimated 56 million people are exposed to levels of particulate matter pollution considered unhealthy by the EPA. Particulate matter, or PM, contains microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets. Some particulate matter is natural, but much of it comes from pollution created by factories, cars, trucks, and other sources.
Particulate matter is a well-known health hazard. The EPA has classified it as a group 2B carcinogen, which means that there is limited data on its ability to cause cancer in humans. However, the evidence we do have indicates an association with lung and heart disease, along with other respiratory problems like asthma and COPD.
Here are some tips to reduce the amount of particulate matter in your home:
Clean Your Air Ducts – Particulate matter can build up in air ducts over time, leading to poor air quality. That’s why it is important to clean your air ducts regularly. You should have them cleaned every year or at least twice a year if you use an air conditioner heating unit. This is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to reduce particulate matter in your home. Unified Air Duct offers air duct cleaning at an affordable price. Call us today!
Clean Your Dryer Vents –Particulate matter can also build up in your dryer vents. Oftentimes lint will get trapped in your vents, leaving particles to pile up.
A blocked dryer vent can lead to the air coming out of your vents becoming warm, humid, and carrying a musty smell with it because air is not able to travel through them as efficiently. It’s important that you get rid of this lint buildup so air isn’t forced into areas where particulate matter exists.
Seal Doors and Windows – Sealing your doors and windows prevents matter from coming in through cracks and leaks. It’s much easier to keep the air inside your home clean when you seal off all areas that are prone to air coming in from outside, which is one of the reasons why many people with respiratory problems or allergies choose to live in an environment like this.
Sealing windows and doors also helps prevent drafts as well. This can prevent particulate matter from entering your home via dust and other dirt.
Purchase an Air Purifier – Air purifiers help cleanse the air inside your home of particulate matter and other pollutants. It’s very important to purchase air purifiers that are designed for your specific room size, otherwise, the air will be circulated too quickly and won’t have enough time to collect all of the pollutants.
Replace Air Filters
Air filters should also be replaced regularly so they don’t reach their capacity or stop working entirely. If air filters are not replaced, the air in your home will be circulated and recirculated through dirty air instead of clean air.
Contact Unified Air Duct Today!
Contact us today to get your air ducts and dryer vents cleaned! Our air duct cleaning service will remove any dust, dirt, soot, or mold from the air vents in your home and get rid of that particulate matter!