How to Improve IAQ for Elderly Family Members in Glen Allen, VA

May 31, 2023

The health of your elderly family members living in Glen Allen, VA is important, and one way to promote their well-being is by improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can contribute to numerous health issues for seniors, such as asthma attacks and respiratory infections. Fortunately, you can take the steps below to improve air quality for your older family members.

1. Change the HVAC Filter Regularly

The HVAC system serves as the lungs of the home, and ideally, most of the air that circulates throughout your home will go through its filter. Check the filter each month and replace it if you can no longer see through it; this will generally be every 30 to 90 days. Also, invest in filters with higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings that can trap more types of pollutants for better indoor air quality.

2. Utilize Air Purifiers

Using an air purifier in your home can help filter out even more allergens, dust and other airborne pollutants. Many of them use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are some of the most effective filters available but aren’t intended for use in most residential HVAC systems.

3. Invest in Houseplants

Houseplants can do more than make a home look nice. They can also help clean and filter pollutants, making it safer for elderly family members. Certain plants like aloe vera, snake plants, spider plants and English ivy are particularly effective at purifying the air.

4. Use Natural Cleaners

Cleaning chemicals can be very harsh and cause negative health effects for older people. To reduce the risk, switch to natural cleaning solutions such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice or essential oils. These natural cleaners are not only safer for seniors but also help to improve indoor air quality.

Improving IAQ can help to keep your older family members healthy and safe. If your home’s air quality still doesn’t meet your standards, you may need to assess your HVAC system and possibly upgrade certain components. Contact us at Foster Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for a detailed assessment of your air quality needs and air conditioning maintenance.