A Guide to Improving Indoor Air Quality in Jacksonville FL

Having good indoor air quality is important for health and comfort. indoor air quality in Jacksonville FL can cause or worsen respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. This guide will discuss ways Jacksonville, FL residents can improve their indoor air quality.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

There are many potential sources of indoor air pollution in homes and buildings. Some common culprits include.

Tobacco smoke - Secondhand smoke contains many toxins and carcinogens. Smoking indoors greatly worsens air quality.
Cooking appliances - Gas stoves and ovens produce nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other combustion byproducts.
Cleaning supplies and air fresheners - Many contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air.
Mold and mildew - Excess moisture allows mold to grow, releasing spores and VOCs into the air.
Dust mites - Microscopic dust mites and their droppings are common asthma triggers.
Pets - Pet dander, hair, and saliva can cause reactions in people allergic to them.
Outside air pollution - Outdoor pollutants like ozone and pollen easily travel indoors.
Furniture and building materials - These can emit VOCs like formaldehyde for months or years after installation.

Ventilation

One of the most important things you can do is ventilate your indoor spaces. Letting in fresh outdoor air dilutes the concentration of indoor pollutants.

Here are some tips for good ventilation:

Open windows regularly when outdoor air quality is good. This is the simplest way to clear out indoor air. Consider installing window fans to pull in fresh air.
Use exhaust fans when cooking, showering, or using products that generate pollutants. Vented fans remove contaminants rather than spreading them around.
Make sure your home is not too tightly sealed. Some air leakage allows at least minimal ventilation. Have your home evaluated for adequate air exchange.
Run a window or portable air conditioner with the venting mode set to bring in fresh air. Avoid units that only recirculate indoor air.
Consider installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). These systems continuously exchange Indoor Air Quality Jacksonville FL and outdoor air while using heat exchange to minimize energy loss. HRVs are recommended for Jacksonville's climate.
Use your central HVAC system's vent and fan settings to keep air circulating. Change the air filter regularly.
Add indoor plants! They naturally purify the air by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Spider plants, aloe vera, peace lilies, and snake plants work great.

Control Moisture and Mold

Excess moisture allows mold to grow and release spores and VOCs that pollute the air. Here are tips for moisture and mold control.

Maintain relative humidity between 30-50%. Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in problem areas.
Find and eliminate sources of moisture like leaks and condensation. Insulate cold water pipes to reduce condensation.
Ventilate and circulate air in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms when in use. Always vent clothes dryers outdoors.
Clean bathroom surfaces frequently with an anti-mildew cleaner. Keep drains clear to allow water to drain.
Clean up spills right away before moisture is absorbed.
Ensure gutters are clean and draining properly to keep moisture away from your home's foundation.
Outdoor conditions are also key. Avoid excess moisture in crawl spaces and basements. Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation.
If mold is already present, properly remediate by killing and removing it. Consider hiring professionals for large mold issues.

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Cut Down on Clutter and Dust

Clutter and dust can worsen indoor air pollution in a few ways.

More stuff in your home means more surface area to collect dust, pet dander and other allergens.
Clutter restricts airflow, which allows pollutants to accumulate.
Mold and pests are more likely in cluttered spaces.

Here are tips for reducing clutter and dust:

Declutter! Give away or throw out unnecessary items. Organize the things you use frequently.
Clean frequently to control dust. Microfiber cloths and mops are great for trapping dust.
Vacuum carpet and upholstery routinely, ideally with a vacuum that uses strong suction and HEPA filtration.
Dust ceiling fans and the tops of doors and cabinets, which often get overlooked.
Encase mattresses and pillows in dust mite covers. Wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water.
Install smooth flooring like hardwood or vinyl instead of carpet. Hard floors harbor less dust.
Remove shoes when entering your home to avoid tracking in dust and pollen. Place doormats outside entrances.
Store frequently used items inside cabinets and drawers rather than on open shelves.

Use Eco-Friendly Household Products

Many conventional household cleaners and products contain volatile organic compounds and other chemicals that worsen indoor air. Going green with your products helps minimize this source of pollution.

Some tips:

Choose plant-based or otherwise natural cleaning products, or make your own with safe ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Look for the Green Seal or Eco Logo certification symbol to identify products with safer formulas. Avoid products that just say "nontoxic" or "green," as these terms lack standardized criteria.
Pick fragrance-free or naturally scented products. Artificial fragrances often contain VOCs.
Opt for green furnishings and building materials like organic cotton, wool, and chemical-free flooring. Ask retailers questions about chemical use and off-gassing.
Select low- or no-VOC paint. Allow new paint to cure fully before occupying the room. Leave during application.
Swap conventional air fresheners and scented candles for natural options like essential oils with an aromatherapy diffuser.

Control Indoor Allergens

For people with allergies, targeting specific allergens is key. Here are tips for common indoor allergy triggers:

For dust mites, get allergen covers for bedding and vacuum with HEPA. Reduce humidity below 50%.
To control pet allergens, keep pets out of bedrooms and frequently wash them. Groom pets outdoors and vacuum upholstery. HEPA air purifiers also help. Those allergic should consider not having carpet.
To reduce mold, eliminate excess moisture and clean existing mold properly. Dehumidifiers and ventilation help prevent mold growth.
With cockroaches, seal cracks and openings. Use boric acid rather than spray insecticides which have VOCs. Keep kitchen surfaces clean and food sealed.

Improve Filtration with Better HVAC Filters

Improving your heating/cooling system's air filter captures more allergens and reduces indoor pollutants being recirculated.

Check the filter size in your unit and buy the highest efficiency filter that will fit. Look for a MERV rating of at least 11 or 12. Higher ratings indicate finer filtration.
HEPA filters are the gold standard with a MERV rating of 17-20. They remove over 99% of particles including small allergens, but may require more frequent replacement.
Change filters every 1 - 3 months per the manufacturer's recommendation. Mark your calendar to stay on schedule.
Make sure filters are installed correctly without gaps around the edges where air leaks can bypass the filter.
Consider adding supplemental air filtration with portable room air cleaners that use HEPA filters. This further reduces allergens and asthma triggers.

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Conclusion

Taking steps to improve indoor air quality in Jacksonville FL benefits health and makes your Jacksonville, Florida home more comfortable. Focus on ventilation, moisture control, reducing clutter and allergens, eco-friendly products, and better air filtration. Simple habits like opening windows and vacuuming regularly go a long way towards creating a healthier indoor environment. Paying attention to indoor air quality means you and your family will breathe easier all year long.