When you consider air quality, you probably think about hazards outside the home: smog, smoke, air pollution, and fumes from vehicles or other sources. Air quality inside the home is just as important, however. The quality of your air can be impaired by dust, spores from mold and fungus, secondhand tobacco smoke, pet dander, and even fumes or lead particles from paints and varnishes. In this article, we’ll be looking at ways to improve your indoor air quality.
Introduce House Plants
Houseplants don’t just look pretty; they can also improve air quality by absorbing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air. Look for plants that are low in allergens. If you have pets, choose plants that are listed as pet-safe on the ASPCA website, such as aloe vera or spider plants.
Vacuum Your Home Thoroughly
If your vacuum cleaner isn’t picking up much dust, you should check the bag or filter. Repair or replace your vacuum if this doesn’t help. Invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and use it regularly in every room. This can drastically reduce problems with allergies, such as itchy eyes and sneezing, as well as making life easier for anyone in the home with a respiratory condition.
Change Your Cleaning Products
Some cleaning products may make your house look cleaner but are actually contributing to the bad air quality. These include strongly scented products, which can trigger allergic reactions, and products that emit VOCs. Change to milder products such as those based on pure soap, and use pump sprays rather than aerosols.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected
Your HVAC system can harbor dirt, dust, and microbial contaminants such as bacteria and fungal spores. You need to have your system inspected at least once a year, making sure that all the ducting and filters are properly cleaned and free of dirt or debris.
Take Care of Dampness and Mold
Dampness, whether it’s from leaky plumbing, condensation, or rainwater entering the home, can cause mold and fungus to grow inside your house. Mold is a major source of potential contamination and needs to be eradicated. The cause of the dampness should be resolved, and the mold or fungus should be removed.
Install an Air Filtration and Ventilation System
Good air quality relies on adequate ventilation. If you live in an area with bad air quality or need to keep the windows closed to conserve energy, it can be hard to keep the air inside your home from circulating properly. A quality ventilation and air filtration system can help solve this problem by providing a constant flow of clean, filtered air that’s free of allergens, microbes, and other pollutants. As well as preventing health issues due to poor air quality, ventilation systems can help save money by cutting down on your heating and cooling bills.Improving air quality is especially important if you have family members who live with allergies or have respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. Better air quality can also help prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Don’t leave it to chance: Arrange for an air quality test today.
