Did you know your indoor air can be 10x worse than outdoors? Air quality in your home is often compromised by dust, debris, leaks of gas, pet dander and other contaminants. This can lead to serious health problems such as asthma or damaged lungs. Here are five tips to protect your health by improving indoor air quality.
Change or clean the HVAC filter
The HVAC system is essential to maintain the ideal temperature in your home. Air filters are installed to prevent the recirculation of airborne pollutants such as dust, dirt and debris. The HVAC filters eventually stop working because of dirt and debris. It also compromises the indoor air quality. This increases energy bills as the system has to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature.
The air conditioning system will also need expensive repairs if the filter is dirty. Regularly clean the filters with warm, soapy water. If you live in an area where pollution is high or you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider an air conditioning plan that includes replacement filters.
Consider the paint
A fresh coat of paint on the interior and exterior walls of your home is a great way to brighten up the room. When shopping for paint, don’t just focus on color. Check the ingredients of paint to ensure that it is non-toxic. Avoid using paints that are made of plastic, as they create a barrier on your wall that traps the air. Mold can grow as a result. Avoid petrochemicals such as ammonia, formaldehyde and acrylics. They can also compromise the indoor air quality. Prioritize paints that are low in VOC, and do not have a strong fresh paint smell.
Purchase an air purifier
Air purifiers are a great way to clean the air in your home if you own multiple pets, or if you’re allergic to indoor allergens. By removing pollutants from the air in your home, air purifiers remove them. They do this by capturing the polluted and filtered air before releasing the cleaner and fresher air back into your house. Some air purifiers even emit negative ions which help to neutralize airborne viruses and bacteria. If you want to increase the speed at which your system filters air, choose an air purifier that has the highest clean-air delivery rate (CADR). If your budget permits, you could also consider an air purifier with a fan to circulate clean, fresh, air throughout your home.
Keep your home clean
A clean house is a happy home. By maintaining excellent indoor hygiene, you can eliminate mold, pet dander and dust that compromise air quality. Be sure to:
- Vacuum frequently, paying special attention to carpets and rugs as these areas can harbor allergens.
- De-clutter your home to prevent dust accumulation
- Cleaning drapes, beddings and other household items that are allergen-attractive
- Indoor plants can often promote the growth of mold.
Open windows
Keep the windows open. It is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve the indoor air quality. It allows fresh air to enter and removes bad odor. This also helps to reduce humidity, which is conducive for dust mites. To avoid higher energy bills, you should turn off your AC before opening the windows.
Endnote
To maintain a healthy, comfortable home it is important to keep the air inside clean and breathable. Use the strategies above to create cleaner, fresher air in your home.
