Do you know that the air inside your home is likely to be 7 times more polluted than the air outside? Without insufficient ventilation or air quality control measures, dust, dander, pollen, debris, and other contaminants keep circulating your home.
Although regularly sweeping and dusting can go a long way towards improving your indoor air quality, there are some other simple ways to improve air quality.
Use of HEPA Filters
HEPA filters or high-efficiency portable air filters are one of the best ways to keep the air in your home clean without putting yourself through too much effort. These filters are extremely efficient and take in air, filter out the contaminants, and then throw them out of your home again.
A HEPA filter is able to trap 99.7% of all contaminants that are 0.3 microns in size — the size which is most difficult for filters to capture. HEPA filters can solve the problem of poor indoor quality of one’s home quite efficiently. All you need to do is to turn them on and let them do all the hard work.
Clean Air Ducts
The network of air ducts hidden behind the ceiling and walls of your home is what allows air from HVAC units to circulate around your home. However, over time, air ducts can become clogged with dust, debris, dander, and other pollutants. When this happens, not only the airflow through these passages is restricted but the pollutants collected inside the ductwork are pushed out into your living space by the air pressure.
This can lead to the triggering of asthma, allergies, and other health issues. Hiring a professional to clean your air ducts on a regular basis not just ensure good air quality in your home but also reduces energy bills.
Use of VOC-free Paints, Varnishes, and Coatings
Other culprits of poor air quality in your home are paint, varnishes, furniture polishes, and cleaning solutions. These products emit volatile organic compounds which produce odors and smells in your home. Worse, however, is the fact that these substances are extremely hazardous for health and can lead to a range of health issues from dizziness, headache, nausea to cancers.
To make sure you keep the inside of your home clean and healthy, it is a good idea to use low-VOC or VOC-free paints, stains, and varnishes. These products are odor-free, do not produce any harmful particles, and are safe for humans and pets alike.
Eliminate the Use of Harsh Cleaning Agents
Many household cleaners can contribute to poor air quality in your home. These solutions are laden with harmful chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and triclosan, which can lead to various issues related to your nose, eyes, and throat.
Instead of using chemical-laden household cleaners, it is a good idea to invest in cleaning agents that contain natural ingredients. Fortunately, there are a large number of natural cleaners available in the market made from ingredients like vinegar, lemon, essential oils, baking soda, and more. These can offer effective cleaning solutions for your home.
There are several simple ways to improve the air quality in your home. However, if you want long-lasting results, it is a good idea to call your local air quality professionals that have the training, expertise, and equipment to assess indoor air quality and eliminate contaminants. This will help reduce energy bills and allow your family to breathe easier.
Clean Rugs and Carpets
It is always the little things that get you, and household rugs and carpets help you with them. These decoratives not only keep your home cozy and well-maintained, but they also act like filters themselves, trapping a number of dust particles and pollutants in their many fibers. But be sure to keep your rugs and carpets clean so that they are ready to trap more pollutants by the next. Unclean rugs and carpets can cause the air to become unclean, too, when drafts made from ceiling fans and room coolers extract the trapped dirt and pollutants from them.
Take Off Shoes
Besides grass, mud, and other debris, your shoes’ soles are probably hoarding other harmful substances, such as pesticides. Bringing these dirty shoes inside the house can foul up the indoor air quality. Having your family members, friends, and guests remove their shoes at the door can be an effective way to keep these unnecessary pollutants from entering your abode.
Control Humidity
Damp, low-ventilation spaces encourage the growth of mold and mildew and allow airborne viruses to spread. Dry air, on the other hand, can cause paint and wood floors to crack. Hence, it is important to keep indoor humidity levels under control. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40 and 50 percent, which can be measured using a hygrometer. This way, you will be able to determine if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Open a Window
Keeping all the doors and windows closed throughout the day can wreak havoc on your home. Opening your patio door or window for a few minutes every day can considerably improve indoor air quality. Leaving even one of these outlets open allows for the exchange of stale air for fresh and clean air, cutting down on pollutants.
Opt for Cooking Vents
Quite a chunk of air pollutants spread in the house from the kitchen. People using gas stoves can testify to how much harmful substances meander through their houses like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, et cetera. Electric burners are also known to be equally polluting, releasing substances that, if found in the bloodstream, can cause a number of health problems, too. With the use of cooking vents, many of these pollutants can be filtered out, keeping yourself and your loved ones free of harm.