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How to Assess Your Outdoor Air—And Why You Should
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Changing your HVAC filter at least every three months and cleaning regularly can help keep your indoor air in tip-top shape—but what about the air outdoors? While you don’t have as much control over improving the quality of air outside your home, you should be informed to help protect yourself, your family and your environment against the harmful effects of outdoor air pollutants.
How can I check the outdoor air quality?
Download the Filtrete™ Smart App to monitor outdoor air quality anytime, anywhere. From the app, you can track the air quality for multiple U.S. locations and receive updates about your local air.
Why is it important to monitor the cleanliness of outdoor air?
The quality of the air you breathe directly affects your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we’re exposed to outdoor pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide every day*. This may cause asthma, coughing and respiratory infections, and can even trigger heart attacks and strokes**.
How does outdoor air affect my indoor air quality?
While many contaminants that affect indoor air quality come from inside your house, don’t assume you’re safe from harmful outdoor air. These pollutants can enter your home through mechanical ventilation (such as through an air conditioner), natural ventilation (an open window or door) and infiltration (cracks and leaks), soiling indoor air.
How can I protect my home from poor outdoor air quality?
- Keep windows closed.
- First try using a fan to cool off, but if you must run the AC, make sure the fresh-air intake is closed.
- Seal leaks by caulking or weather-stripping. Not only will this prevent outdoor pollution from slipping through the cracks, but it will also save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
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