Improve Indoor Air Quality This Summer: Tips to Combat Pollen and Pollution

In this post:

• Effective strategies to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) during the summer
• The importance of regular HVAC maintenance and filter replacement 
• Tailored IAQ improvement tips for different spaces

As the days grow warmer and pollen fills the air, our focus shifts to enjoying the great outdoors. But what about the air we breathe indoors? Whether you’re at home, in the office, or managing a commercial space, maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for overall health and well-being. Let’s explore practical steps to enhance IAQ and why they matter during the summer months.

Pollen Season and Climate Change

Research shows that the pollen season is becoming longer and more intense due to climate change. One study* reveals that the U.S. could face up to a 200% increase in total pollen this century if carbon dioxide emissions continue at a high rate. Under this scenario, pollen season will start up to 40 days earlier in spring and last up to 19 days longer than today. Rising temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide levels play significant roles in this trend.

Why Pollen Is Increasing

Pollen, those dust-like grains produced by grasses and plants, contains the male genetic material necessary for plant reproduction. As global temperatures rise, plant growth increases, leading to more pollen production. However, the bigger driver of future pollen increase is rising carbon dioxide emissions. Higher temperatures extend the growing season, giving plants more time to emit pollen and reproduce. Additionally, increased carbon dioxide fuels photosynthesis, resulting in larger plants that produce more pollen.

Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) This Summer

Improving indoor air quality is essential for a healthy and comfortable living or working environment. Here are some effective strategies to achieve good IAQ this summer:

Source Control

• Identify and Eliminate Pollutants: Start by identifying and addressing specific sources of pollution. For example, seal or enclose materials containing asbestos, adjust gas stoves to reduce emissions, and minimize indoor smoking.
• Reduce Emissions: Adjust activities like painting, cooking, or using kerosene heaters to minimize pollutant emissions indoors.

Improved Ventilation

• Bring in Fresh Air: Open windows and doors when outdoor air quality and weather permit. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to increase ventilation during cooking and showering.
• Consider Mechanical Ventilation: Some advanced home designs feature mechanical systems that bring outdoor air indoors, such as energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators.

Air Cleaners and Filtration

• Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers that remove allergens, pollutants, viruses, and more. Brands like NSpire and Molekule offer effective solutions for various room sizes.
• HVAC Filters: Install high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system to trap airborne particles. Make sure these filters are replaced regularly, and summer is a great time to do a replacement. During summer, HVAC systems typically run more frequently, meaning filters can become clogged with dust and allergens faster. Replacing them ensures your system runs efficiently and maintains optimal air quality.

Control Humidity

• Prevent Mold: Maintain indoor humidity levels below 60% to prevent mold growth. Use dehumidifiers if necessary.

Seal Your Home from Outdoor Pollutants

• Weatherproofing: Seal gaps and cracks to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home.

Incorporate Indoor Plants

• Natural Air Purifiers: Certain indoor plants, like snake plants and peace lilies, can help improve IAQ by absorbing pollutants.

Tailoring Strategies for Different Spaces

Fitness Facilities

• Ventilation: Install powerful exhaust fans to handle high occupancy and intense physical activity. Also, directional fans, ceiling fans, and evaporative coolers from Big Ass Fans create air movement to make a person feel up to 10°F (5.6°C) cooler without the clutter, noise, and trip hazard of floor fans. While improving the air circulation, you also make your members feel more comfortable – it’s a double win!
• Air Purifiers: Place them strategically to capture sweat, allergens, and odors. Enjoy cleaner, fresher air with air filtration systems that eliminate allergens, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and more.
• Regular Cleaning: Keep equipment and surfaces clean to maintain IAQ. Have gym wipes available for your members & staff to use before and after workouts.

Offices

• HVAC Maintenance: Regular servicing ensures efficient clean air circulation. Regularly changing out HVAC filters contributes to a better workplace by reducing allergens and pollutants in the air, leading to happier employees and increased productivity.
• Plants: Add indoor greenery to improve IAQ and boost mood.
• Natural Light: Use it whenever possible to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

Commercial Spaces

• Zoning: Divide large spaces into zones with separate ventilation systems.
• Air Quality Sensors: You can’t manage what you can’t measure. Monitor CO2 levels and adjust ventilation accordingly. The ThinkLite Flair Air Safety Monitor can be integrated with HVAC controls and is one of the best ways to help ensure clean, safe air is delivered throughout your facility.
• Low-VOC Materials: Choose furniture and materials that emit fewer volatile organic compounds. For cleaning supplies, consider switching to low or non-VOC concentrates.

Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality

Good air quality benefits everyone, whether you’re working out, collaborating in the office, or managing a bustling commercial area. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment not only promotes well-being but also improves productivity and comfort. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve indoor air quality and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for yourself and others.

Zogics Offers a Range of Air Quality Solutions

• Commercial Fans: Improve airflow, energy efficiency, and comfort levels in spaces like gyms, workshops, and warehouses. Options include ceiling fans, directional fans, and those with UV-C technology.
• Air Filtration Systems: Choose from air purifiers and filters suitable for small rooms or larger spaces.
• Air Monitoring: Implement air monitoring systems to measure IAQ metrics accurately.
• Low VOC Cleaning Products: Zogics offers low to non-VOC cleaning concentrates that help maintain good indoor air quality. Using these products reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to indoor air pollution and health issues. Common indicators of low-VOC products include labels like "low VOC," "zero VOC," "non-toxic," and "eco-friendly."

Ready to take control of your indoor air quality? Explore Zogics' comprehensive range of air quality solutions today and create a healthier environment for everyone. Visit Zogics.com to learn more and find the perfect products for your needs!

References: *Zhang, L., & Steiner, A. (2022, March 15)