Ten Strategies for Improving Residential Indoor Air Quality

1. Keep walkways and entry areas (porches) litter free and clean of dirt and debris.
2. Use appropriately sized entry mats which can remove up to 87% of soil from shoes.
3. Remove shoes upon entering the home. Use socks or slippers to avoid depositing body oils.
4. Purchase quality vacuum equipment - not the cheapest, the best. Consider those with soil detection systems (red light / green light features) and high quality filtration systems.
5. Use high-efficiency filter systems in your vacuum. Avoid cheaper paper bags that only trap particles down to 7 microns. Use double-lined poly fiber bags that trap 99% of all particles down to 1-2 microns.
6. Increase vacuum frequency to 2 to 3 times weekly (or more). Vacuum thoroughly after special events such as parties. Pay special attention to the edges, under and behind furniture and in the corners of steps. This is where dirt and dust likes to hide - especially if you have shedding pets.
7. Install high-efficiency filters in the HVAC system. These filters typically have acrylic rods that vibrate as air passes through them, which generates a static charge that charges small soil particles causing them to adhere to the filter media.
8. Have your carpets cleaned by a professional every 6 months, particularly if respiratory sensitive persons are living in the home.
9. Clean bedding, upholstery and other household fabrics regularly. Wash bed linens weekly in 130 degree F water and detergent for at least 10 minutes.
10. Control moisture and humidity in the home. Respond to water releases immediately. Don't hesitate to seek professional advice when water damage takes place. Never assume that wet materials will just "dry on their own."