Practical Strategies to Restore and Maintain Healthy Indoor Air

Each May, Clean Air Month reminds us that indoor environments play just as critical a role in our health as outdoor pollution. According to data from the EPA, most Americans spend over 90% of their time indoors; ensuring indoor air quality is not just seeking comfort—it's a necessity. From allergens to volatile organic compounds and mold spores, unseen contaminants often linger, especially following water or fire damage. Fortunately, professional remediation practices are designed to address these hazards effectively. 

Start with a Professional Assessment 

Improving air quality begins with a thorough inspection. After a property has experienced water or fire-related issues, certified Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) trained in CIRS-WDB (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome from Water-Damaged Buildings) use particle sampling, moisture mapping, and surface testing to identify contamination. 

Numerous tools and devices are used to determine air quality and its probable issues. Professionals rely on tools like infrared cameras and hygrometers—standard in WRT (Water Restoration Technician) protocols—to pinpoint problem areas that may not be visible. 

Drying and Dehumidification is Key to Healthy Air Quality 

Damp materials can quickly lead to microbial contamination. The IICRC S520 outlines the importance of drying beyond surface appearance. This balance of humidity, airflow, and temperature, or HAT, is a foundational principle in structural drying. 

HEPA Filtration and Air Scrubbing 

Air quality improvement requires more than adding a few snake plants and changing your HVAC filter. It calls for high-efficiency filtration. HEPA 500 air scrubbers, equipped with pre-filters and activated carbon stages, are essential in water damage or mold remediation scenarios. These devices can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency, capturing soot, allergens, and airborne irritants before they can affect air quality. 

Small Particle Remediation: Beyond Surface Cleaning 

Small Particle Remediation (SPR) is often necessary for homes with medically sensitive occupants. In mold or long-standing water damage cases, EPA-registered antimicrobials may be applied. The process is validated through post-remediation verification (PRV) testing to ensure the cleaning meets standards protecting occupant health. 

What You Can Do Every Day For Cleaner Air 

While professional remediation handles the heavy lifting after damage, there are several simple steps homeowners can take to reduce airborne contaminants and support long-term indoor air quality: 

  • Ventilate Regularly: Open windows when weather permits and use exhaust fans to reduce moisture and pollutants in kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Upgrade HVAC Filters: Use pleated MERV 11–13 filters and change them every 1–3 months. 
  • Maintain Proper Humidity: Keep indoor humidity between 30–50% to discourage mold and dust mites. 
  • Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Avoid recirculating dust using a HEPA-filtered vacuum. 
  • Skip Scented Products: Avoid air fresheners and synthetic fragrances that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 
  • Test for Radon: A simple kit can detect this odorless gas, a known health hazard in some homes. 
  • Avoid Indoor Smoking: Secondhand smoke is a major indoor pollutant—keep it outside. 
  • Use Air Purifiers: Portable purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters help clean the bedroom and living area air. 

These measures won't replace remediation when damage has occurred, but they can help prevent problems from developing in the first place.  

Trust Professionals with Proven Standards 

Improving indoor air quality is about health, comfort, and a safe environment. Professionals trained under IICRC standards and CIRS-WDB guidelines use data-driven, field-tested approaches to restoration. Each step is grounded in proven methodology, from drying protocols to HEPA air scrubbing and PRV testing.

Air filter in a home with a plant 

Clean Air Month is a good reminder to check the air quality in your home, and AdvantaClean is equipped to help. Whether you've experienced water damage or fire or suspect lingering contaminants, our team is trained and ready to restore your space carefully and precisely. Call AdvantaClean today at (877) 800-2382 to schedule your indoor air quality assessment.

Categories