When Spring Cleaning Do Not Forget About Indoor Air Quality

Improve Indoor Air Quality This Spring with Effective Ventilation Solutions

The annual ritual of spring cleaning often focuses on decluttering and removing many months of dust and grime from places that are not part of the normal cleaning routine. That is as it should be, but it is not enough. The removal of junk and grime to make the home a cleaner and healthier place to live is great, but what about the quality of the air that the family breathes? The quality of the air in the house is not something that can be visibly evaluated like a grime-free attic, but it is an important factor in your family’s health.

The Environment Changes in Spring

The start of spring marks a clear shift in the weather pattern. The amount of change will depend on where you live, but by and large, it is when plants, trees and shrubs bloom and grow. That means that pollen levels will rise. Add to this the residue of the air pollution from winter and you have air that may appear to be fresh and clear but can be full of all that is not good to inhale. When you are out in the open, the impact of the pollen and pollutants is not so great as it is dispersed over a vast area. In the house, it is another matter. The allergens that come into the house through open doors and windows and which enter via the clothes and shoes that people wear tend to settle indoors and remain there. Ignoring indoor air quality (IAQ) when spring cleaning can result in respiratory and other health issues for the rest of the year.

Also Read: Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring

Keep These Issues in Mind When Spring Cleaning

  • When cleaning out the attic, basement and other parts of the house that are rarely entered or used, the amount of dust and allergens that are disturbed and float up into the air can be large. This pollution can remain suspended in the indoor air for a long time, either entering the lungs or slowly settling back into the place from where it was before the cleaning. Opening windows is not enough to blow it out. Only positive ventilation using a whole house fan will get the pollution out of the house.
  • Spring is allergy and hay fever season. People who have been immune from these ailments for years can suddenly develop them without any warning. And once they affect your health, they could become a lifelong problem. The windows you open to allow stale air to go out and fresh air to enter also are the entry points for the allergens. Once again positive airflow in the house will help to keep allergens from getting in.
  • Spring cleaning often includes using strong cleaning products to clean attics, closets and now empty storage areas. These cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which if inhaled regularly or for long periods, can be toxic. Using the positive airflow of an attic fan to blow them out of the house keeps those in the house safe.
  • The garage is usually a part of the spring clean. Because so much is stored there, a lot of dirt and pollutants are dislodged during the cleaning. It is easy to ignore the fact that the IAQ in the garage may be bad because no one “lives” there. But the garage air can leach into the rest of the house and also, the amount of time people spend in the garage is often far more than they realize. A garage fan is all that is needed to blow out the stale air and keep the garage air fresh and clean.

Spring is the ideal time to do something to improve the IAQ in your home. Products like whole house fans, attic fans and garage fans can play a major role in keeping the indoor air healthy and by doing so protecting the health of those living in the house. Solatube is the leader in fan ventilation technology and the company’s whole house, attic and garage fans are known to be the best on the market. The company manufactures many models of these fans so here is one that is right for any type of home. In the Bay Area, Sunlight Concepts is the Premier Solatube Dealer, and the full range and variety of ventilation fans are available. Use the website to learn more about the fans, the benefits they offer and the tax rebates available when you buy them. Ask for a free consultation where you can have all your questions answered and access expert advice on the type and model fan that is right for your home. Once you make your informed decision installation will normally be done in a matter of hours.

Happy Customer

James Summers

As a roofing contractor we have recommended many of our customers to Sunlight Concepts and all of the homeowners have been very pleased with their efficiency, clean up and follow up!

Highly recommend them.

Frequently Asked Questions

 1. Why is indoor air quality important during spring cleaning?

 Good indoor air quality protects your family from allergens and pollutants that can cause breathing problems and other health issues.

 2. How do allergens and pollutants enter my home?

Pollutants from outside, dust from rarely cleaned areas, and chemicals from cleaning products can all sneak into your home and affect the air quality.

 3. What are the benefits of using a whole house fan?

 A whole house fan helps remove stale, polluted air and brings in fresh air, reducing allergens and keeping your home healthier.

 4. How can attic and garage fans improve indoor air quality?

 These fans help push out dust, chemicals, and other pollutants that build up in less-used areas, preventing them from seeping into living spaces.

 5. Are there any health risks associated with indoor pollutants?

 Yes, breathing in pollutants can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, making it important to keep your indoor air clean.

 6. How do I choose the right ventilation fan for my home?

 Consider the size of the area, the type of pollutants present, and expert advice from trusted dealers to select a fan that fits your home’s needs.