Ensuring that the rental home has good indoor air quality is crucial for the health and satisfaction of tenants. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause health issues such as allergies, asthma, headaches, and respiratory problems. Moreover, it can lead to tenant complaints and even legal issues.
In addition to having an adverse effect on health, poor IAQ can decrease productivity by making the home uncomfortable due to the high humidity levels.
There are several actions you can take as a landlord to lessen the risk of pollutants and ensure that the air within your rental property is healthy and safe to breathe. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for maintaining high standards of IAQ in your rental home.
Change your HVAC filters regularly
The HVAC system in your rental home circulates air throughout the house. Filters get rid of common air pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. As a result of the particles that are trapped in these filters over time, the HVAC loses efficiency and must work twice as hard to ensure proper airflow. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the filters are clean and in good condition.
Dirty filters can reduce the air quality, make the system work harder, increase energy costs, and decrease the lifespan of your unit. Experts recommend changing the filters every three months, or more frequently if needed. Encourage your tenants to inform you when the filters need changing.
Be mindful of humidity
High humidity levels can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites, which can worsen indoor air quality and can cause respiratory issues and other chronic health concerns. . Make sure that your rental home has proper ventilation to reduce moisture levels.
Dehumidifiers are essential for removing too much moisture from the air since mold and mildew love moist conditions. On the other hand, you can use a humidifier to provide moisture to the air when it’s too dry.
Maintain the level of humidity between 30% and 50%; most individuals find the air to be agreeable at this level.
Buy an air purifier
Air purifiers are effective in removing microscopic pollutants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. They work by filtering the air and trapping particles, leaving clean air to circulate back into the room. There are different types of air purifiers available, such as HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. Consider buying one that suits the needs of your rental home and tenants.
Additionally, air purifiers’ integrated activated carbon filters help lessen offensive smells brought on by cooking, pets, or other causes.
Even though you won’t be able to totally eliminate the contaminants, you can greatly lower their quantity. Tenants would be able to breathe considerably better and have a healthier, cozier home atmosphere as a result.
Clean your carpets
Carpets are notorious for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens. Additionally, carpets can hold onto bacteria and mold spores, lowering your indoor air quality.
Regular vacuuming is essential, but deep cleaning is necessary to maintain good air quality. Hire a professional carpet cleaner every six to twelve months to remove dirt and allergens that a vacuum cleaner cannot. If the carpet is old and worn out, consider replacing it with a hard surface flooring option.
Let the air in
Opening windows and doors can improve ventilation and reduce pollutants indoors. Encourage your tenants to air out the house regularly, especially when cooking, showering, or cleaning. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture and pollutants.
Indoor air can grow stale and stuffy when no fresh air is allowed into the house. If you’ve discovered that the air within your home smells strange, it’s time for a quick fix: open your windows!
Clean your air ducts
Moisture is another factor that contributes to the musty odor in homes; it can happen when there is a leak or water damage in any room of the house, such as the basement, or when bathrooms lack adequate ventilation. By ensuring that your air ducts are clear and unobstructed, you may increase the ventilation in your home.
Air ducts can accumulate dust, pet dander, and mold, which can circulate through the HVAC system and reduce air quality. Hire a professional to clean the air ducts every three to five years. This will not only improve the air quality but also increase the efficiency of the HVAC system, saving on energy costs.
Dusty grills on your air ducts are one indication that they require cleaning. Call a professional if you see that your white grills have turned gray; cleaning air ducts is a complicated task that is best left to the experts.
Add indoor plants
Indoor plants can act as natural air purifiers by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also add a touch of greenery and aesthetic appeal to your rental home. Some of the best plants for improving indoor air quality include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants.
Maintaining high standards of indoor air quality in your rental home is essential for the health and comfort of your tenants. By taking these measures, you’ll not only provide a safe and healthy living environment for your tenants but also protect your investment in the long run.
It would be easier to market your properties if the units smell pleasant with good ventilation and the absence of pollutants. This could be used as a good selling point when publishing a listing on Padleads. Since you can syndicate the listing to popular sites, more potential tenants would learn about your property.