Three Steps to Fresh Air Quality

The first thing that you should do before you call the contractors to renovate your Rogers, AR home is to work out some kind of action plan that will determine how you will keep the air fresh and clean. You can do this despite the fact that the renovation process often taints the indoor air with toxins.

For instance, many toxins can enter the air while your walls and floors are being exposed including mold spores, pet urea and dander, and dust. The materials used during reconstruction can also be very toxic. For instance, varnishes, paints, and glues contain toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene that can cause respiratory problems and brain damage.

There is also the danger that walls and attics could be opened up to reveal pink fiberglass, which releases glass fibers into the air. The good news is that there are some simple ways that you can improve the air quality in your home if you do want to continue to live there while the renovations are taking place.

1 - Change Your HVAC Filters Often and Have Spares on Hand

Home renovations put your HVAC system through a real workout. Often you will be running it at night after the contractors leave, to help cleanse the air of toxic fumes and dust.

It is best to run the fan on low, in this case, to minimize the distribution of dust through your vents and air ducts. This means your air filters will be collecting copious amounts of lint, gunk, and bacteria.

The amounts collected are more than normal, so you will be required to change the filters more often, so part of your preparation for renovating should include keeping plenty of air filters on hand for needed quick changes.

2 - Ask Your Contractor If They Offer Dust-Free Renovation Practices

One way to keep your air clean during a renovation is to ask your contractor if they offer dust-free practices. This means that the contractor is very careful to cover up areas that are being renovated with tarps and plastic so that dust is not going to be spread through the air in the home.

Yet another dust-free practice involves moistening the areas to be broken down with a fine misting of water. This dampens dust particles and makes it almost impossible for them to rise up into the air. They also become heavy enough so that they can easily be swept away with a broom or vacuum.

3 - Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System to Save Money On Energy Bills

After all of the renovation work is completed, you will also be running your HVAC system more often than usual to purify the air of all of the dust particles and spores that could still be hovering in your home’s air.

It is a very good idea to have your air ducts cleaned by an HVAC professional to prevent dirty air from being blown into your indoor spaces. Another thing to consider is the installation of a new furnace or upgrading of your HVAC system while you are renovating.

This is the optimum time to do it as your entire home will likely be in upheaval anyway. This way you can also enjoy the cleaner air and lower energy costs that a new HVAC unit has to offer ecologically-minded frugal homeowners.

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