How can I eliminate odors?
You may have tried to get rid of odors in your home by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. The problem with these methods is that they only mask the odors—they don't get rid of them. In fact, they may even cause further contamination of the home due with chemical ingredients.

How can I improve my indoor air quality?

There are five basic strategies for outsmarting indoor air pollution:

- Identify the problem
The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the types of pollutants present in your home. The best way to do this is to schedule an indoor air quality test with the Spengler Company.

- Improve ventilation
Moisture condensation on walls or windows and stuffy air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Spengler service technician can inspect your comfort system to determine if this is the problem. The technician can also inform you whether or not your equipment is working properly.

-Purify the air
Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander and mold may also be a source of your home's odor problem. You can reduce these odor-causing contaminants with a germicidal (UV) light, which inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system.
Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria. The carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

What is Indoor Air Quality?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is very important.

What can I do myself to enhance my home's air quality?
There are several everyday steps you can take to reduce the pollutants circulating in your home, including:

• Store household cleaners, paint solvents and chemical products in tightly sealed containers. If possible, keep them outdoors.
• Clean and vacuum at least once a week.
• Regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys.
• Keep windows closed when pollen, pollution and humidity levels are high.
• Make sure your home is properly ventilated. (Modern homes are well insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape).
• Keep humidity levels within a healthy, comfortable range to prevent growth of mold and mildew (25% - 55%).
• Avoid using scented deodorizers and odor-masking air fresheners, which may cause toxic chemicals.
• Have your HVAC system regularly inspected to make sure it is clean and in good operating condition.
• Choose furnishings that emit the smallest possible amount of chemical vapors.
• Do not allow smoking inside your home and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.

What causes indoor air pollution?
Many household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.
Newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants.

What are the benefits of clean air?
Allergies and asthma are two health problems that can be helped with clean indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from clean air. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?
Poor indoor air quality can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution.