23 Aug Microplastics in Your Indoor Air? How Better Air Filtration Can Help

When you think about microplastics, you probably think about plastic bottles, food packaging, or pollution in our oceans. But tiny plastic particles can also become airborne—and some may be circulating inside your home.

Microplastics can come from everyday household materials, including synthetic carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, flooring, paint, and other plastic-containing products. As these materials wear down, microscopic particles can become part of household dust and indoor air.

While research into the potential health effects of airborne microplastics is still developing, improving your home’s filtration is one practical way to reduce the amount of particulate matter circulating indoors.

Where Do Airborne Microplastics Come From?

Potential sources inside the home include:

• Synthetic carpets and rugs
• Clothing and other textiles
• Upholstered furniture
• Plastic household products
• Paint and coatings
• Household dust

Everyday activities can disturb these tiny particles and cause them to become airborne along with dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants.

Can Your HVAC System Help?

Your heating and cooling system does more than control temperature. It continuously circulates air throughout your home, which means filtration plays an important role in indoor air quality.

A properly selected HVAC filter can help capture airborne particles before the air is redistributed throughout your home. However, homeowners shouldn’t simply choose the most restrictive filter available. Your HVAC system requires proper airflow, so filtration should be matched to your specific equipment.

Consider a Whole-Home Air Cleaner

For homeowners who want additional filtration, a whole-home air cleaner can provide another level of protection.

Unlike portable air purifiers that typically address one room, whole-home systems work with your HVAC equipment to filter air throughout the house.

Depending on the system, improved filtration can help reduce:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Seasonal allergens
• Fine airborne particles

No filtration system can completely eliminate microplastics or every contaminant from indoor air, but improving filtration can help reduce the amount of particulate matter circulating throughout your home.

Don’t Forget About Humidity

Indoor air quality isn’t only about filtration. Maintaining balanced humidity can also make your home more comfortable.

Air that’s too dry can be uncomfortable, while excessive moisture can encourage mold and mildew growth. Whole-home humidity solutions can work alongside your HVAC equipment to help maintain more consistent indoor conditions.

Breathe Easier With D.E. Duffey & Sons

As we head toward fall and begin spending more time indoors with windows closed, now is a good time to think about what’s circulating through your home’s air.

D.E. Duffey & Sons can help homeowners improve indoor comfort with HVAC and indoor air quality solutions designed for their home’s specific needs.

Learn more by visiting D.E. Duffey’s Indoor Air Quality page or call 610-940-1400 to speak with the D.E. Duffey team.