When you’re in the city, your home’s air quality is even more important a consideration than it would be if you lived out in the country. You have to deal with city pollution, and you don’t get as much healthy air circulation. This impacts the air inside of your home just as much as it impacts what you breathe in when you’re outdoors. So, what you breathe at home should be a top priority for you. Here is how to improve indoor air quality in Toronto.
1. Understand Your Air Quality
Before you start investing in solutions, you should make sure that they are the right ones. There’s no use in, for example, adding a humidifier, when ventilation is your main problem. The most straightforward way to understand what is going on in your home is to ask the professionals. You can get an air quality assessment in Toronto that will indicate the levels of different pollutants in your home, as well as ventilation and humidity levels.
What if you’re concerned about seasonal allergies? An Air Quality Index for Toronto can help you assess what your air quality is normally like. Many even list the quality by your specific area in Toronto (the Beach usually has better air quality thanks to prevailing winds). It breaks down pressure, humidity, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants.
2. HEPA Filters
If your first concern is removing pollutants like allergens and bacteria from the air, a HEPA air purifier is a perfect first choice for you. While HEPA filters can be very powerful in removing airborne debris, it is important to work with a professional to ensure you’ve purchased a filter that can target the specific pollutant you’re concerned about. Unfortunately, some air purifiers are misleading and may not offer the protection that you assume they will. We can help you feel confident in your choice of filter.
Are you looking to speak with a HVAC expert? Contact our team today!
3. Ventilation
Another very important aspect of your air quality is ventilation or removing the old stale air that is full of carbon dioxide and bringing in fresh air from outdoors. All homes need to have ventilation according to the building code, but yours may not have enough.
You may need local ventilation in bathrooms or your kitchen to remove humidity and other air pollutants. Or, you may need whole-house ventilation as provided by an HRV. An HRV is a heat-recovery ventilator. It preserves the heat in your home in winter, so that you can get fresh air without impacting your energy efficiency nearly as much as other ventilation options.
4. Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers
Humidity levels are also a large component of your air quality and comfort in your home. You may need a dehumidifier, but in Toronto, it is more likely you’ll need a humidifier for the winter.
Are you interested in assessing your home’s air quality and getting some fixes so you can breathe easier? Contact the experts at Air Treatment Climate Care today!
