Cleaning the air inside your house is more important than ever. Today’s homes are tightly sealed to conserve energy and lower monthly expenses. The good news is: It works, as comfort control is improved and operating costs are lower.
The less-than-good news, however, is that pollutants tend to accumulate to higher levels in tightly sealed indoor environments. Airborne particulates can trigger reactions ranging from simple annoyance to allergic symptoms to chronic illness.
The short list of typical airborne particulates found indoors includes dust and lint, mold spores, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles. Here are some methods of cleaning the air and keeping it that way:
- Change the HVAC air filter regularly. Choose quality pleated-cotton or polyester filters. A filter’s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) in the higher range of 8 to 11 indicates efficiency sufficient to remove most airborne particulates. Change the filter at least every other month. For maximum protection, monthly filter replacement may be preferable.
- Utilize exhaust fans. In the kitchen, exhaust fans eliminate smoke particles that infiltrate indoor air. Bathroom exhaust fans remove water vapor and odors. These units should operate on a timer that automatically turns off the fan.
- Consider a HEPA vacuum. Dust and other airborne particles that have settled into a carpet may be stirred up again by standard vacuum cleaners. Vacuums with HEPA filtration trap more and smaller particulates to help with cleaning the air.
- Seal the ducts. Not all indoor air pollutants originate in the living spaces. Particulates in the attic and crawl space may be drawn into leaky HVAC ducts and then circulated throughout the system airflow. A duct inspection to identify and repair leaks, if necessary, helps eliminate that source.
- Control indoor humidity. A humid environment breeds mold spores, dust mites, and other sources of microscopic airborne pollution. Keeping indoor humidity levels at 50% or less is better.
Ask the professionals at Paitson Bros. for more information about cleaning the air in your home and keeping it clean. We’ve been Terre Haute’s source for a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for more than a century.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922