Suffering from Portland’s Air Quality? Here’s 8 Tips to Manage Indoor Air Pollution

Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, has been grappling with concerns about its air quality index (AQI) in recent years due to industry, wildfires, and pollen. The AQI is a crucial measure of the air’s health, with higher values indicating worse air quality.

According to Portland News Station KOIN6, Portland’s average air quality in 2022 was nearly two times worse than World Health Organization standards. Prolonged exposure to smoke pollution poses significant risks to both indoor and outdoor air quality, affecting the health and well-being of Portland residents.

Furthermore, Portland is notorious for having some of the highest pollen counts in the nation. Common culprits include grass seed and tree pollen, which tend to accumulate on various surfaces, including homes and cars, particularly after periods of rain and wind.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air, raising concerns about how to minimize indoor air pollution, especially in a region prone to high levels of allergens and irritants. Here are some practical tips to help improve indoor air quality in your Portland home:

1. Harness the Power of Air Purifiers: Consider investing in air purifiers, especially if you have pets. While they may not eliminate all allergens, they can significantly enhance air quality. Another less expensive method is to place a HEPA filter in front of a box fan.
2. Embrace a Clean Environment: Keeping surfaces clean, vacuuming regularly, and decluttering will minimize dust accumulation. Consider reducing the amount of carpeting in your living space.
3. Maintain Clean Ducts and Filters: Air from outside travels through ducts into your home, where pollen, dust, mold, and irritants accumulate over time. Reach out to us for a complimentary quote on duct and filter cleaning. Make sure you are changing out your filters regularly or invest in a filter subscription service that automatically sends them to you on the recommended schedule.
4. Preserve Clean Air: Smoking indoors is a definite no-no. During high AQI periods, like wildfire season, make sure to close all windows and doors to preserve indoor air quality.
5. Tame Pet Allergens: If you have pets, regularly groom them outdoors and bathe them to prevent fur and dander from becoming indoor pollutants.
6. Fortify with Doormats: Utilize doormats at every entrance to minimize the entry of dirt and dust into your home.
7. Fireplace Precautions: When using your fireplace, ensure the damper is fully open to ensure proper ventilation.
8. Welcome Fresh Air: During times of low AQI, take advantage of fresh air by opening your windows for improved air circulation.

By implementing these practical measures, you can significantly enhance indoor air quality, even in a city like Portland with its unique blend of allergens and smoke-related irritants. You can start by giving us a call to schedule air duct cleaning today.