Did you know that nearly seven million deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution every year?
The good news is over the last 50 years, steps have been taken to improve air quality. These include switching to cleaner fuels, the push for buying food locally, and more thoughtful choices about transportation.
Of course, when talking about air quality, you can’t leave out the air inside your home. Remember that indoor air pollution has many causes, such as stoves that release gas into the air and pets that track in mold and dander.
To improve indoor air quality, you have to understand common air pollutants and find means to reduce or eliminate them. That said, here are some ways you can have good air quality in your home.
Quit Smoking
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to stop smoking. It would also be great if you would quit making excuses such as you’ll only smoke outside, or you’ll make sure the doors and windows are open when you feel like lighting one up.
Don’t forget that smoking and secondhand smoke aren’t just unsafe for you. Other members of your family, especially vulnerable ones like infants and seniors, have a higher chance of getting infections and heart disease.
It’s also not ideal for your loved ones with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
Let the Fresh Air In
If you live in an area with low outdoor pollution levels, consider bringing in fresh, outdoor air more often.
By opening multiple doors and windows, you’ll improve the ventilation in your home and improve indoor air quality at the same time. You can also place fans as close as possible to open windows. These will help eliminate pollutants, including virus particles, by blowing them outside.
If you don’t plan to buy portable fans, it’s worth investing in ceiling fans. Remember that even without opening your windows, a ceiling fan can help improve airflow in your home.
Get Some of Nature’s Natural Air Filters
Plants don’t only help reduce stress levels. They also pull contaminants out of the air.
If you’re looking for a workhorse that can filter a range of chemicals, try the peace lily. It’s low maintenance, but it can be toxic to pets, so make sure to keep it away from your furbabies.
Another houseplant that can help promote healthy air quality in your home is the Sansevieria trifasciata or snake plant. It’s also low maintenance. You can be away from your home for weeks at a time, and it will thrive as long as there’s enough light and humidity and the temperature’s just right.
Other plants that help with air filtration include the Scarlet Star, English ivy, spider plant, and golden pothos.
Change Your Filters
Furnaces and air conditioners have filters that trap dust and debris. However, they don’t work forever, meaning you’ll need to replace them from time to time.
Changing your AC filter is also good for your unit. Old filters can wear out your HVAC system, which could mean costly repairs down the road. If you keep forgetting to change your HVAC filters, you can sign up for a service plan that includes them. Having a reliable HVAC Marketing agency to help you with your needs would sure be convenient.
You can also set reminders in your calendars, but this will depend on the filters you have. Be sure to change 1-2 inch filters every three months and 4-inch filters twice a year. For larger filters, the recommendation is to change them every year.
Now, if you’re looking for Discount Filters 16x25x1, there are some great deals online. Be sure to read online reviews, though, so that you don’t end up with inferior filters.
Invest in an Air Purifier and Dehumidifier
If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, and your doctor’s advice is to give up the family pet, an air purifier can be a good compromise.
Ionic purifiers, in particular, can help reduce allergens and other irritants. Besides an air purifier, consider placing a dehumidifier in your basement and other damp areas. Doing so will help prevent the growth of molds. Don’t forget that molds can accumulate in your air ducts and cause health problems.
Watch Out for Too Much Moisture
Water is essential, but it’s also your home’s worst enemy. Moisture attracts bugs and bacteria and leads to mold and mildew. In other words, things that don’t help improve indoor air quality.
Beyond investing in air purifiers and dehumidifiers, consider checking your dryer vent and fixing water damage. Also, remember to turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom, especially if you like taking hot baths and showers.
The same applies to your kitchen exhaust fan. Keep in mind that the kitchen is a source of many indoor air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check if your carbon monoxide detector is working.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
In many ways, keeping a clean house is an excellent strategy for maintaining good air quality indoors.
That’s because the more you clean, the more you reduce mold, dust, and pet dander. Aim to vacuum your rugs and carpet once or twice a week. It’s also best to invest in pillow covers, beddings, mattresses, and drapes that are dust mite-proof.
Also, be sure to clear clutter regularly. You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo, but the less clutter you have in your home, the fewer surfaces there are for dust and allergens to collect on.
Give Yourself the Gift of Fresh Air
While it may seem like you need to do a lot of stuff to improve indoor air quality, don’t forget that these are all worth it. After all, anything that would help prevent you and your loved ones from getting sick is always a good investment.
For more tips and advice on improving indoor air quality, you may check our other articles. We also have tons of home improvement posts that may have the information you’re looking for, so feel free to browse our site.