Email Us
26.06.2024
Brooke Kirshne
Imagine walking into a room and feeling instantly calm and revitalized. The air feels fresh and clean, lifting your spirits and boosting your well-being. It may sound like a dream, but it can be your reality with just a few adjustments! We spend about 90% of our time indoors, which makes the quality of the air we breathe inside extremely important for our health and happiness.
Unfortunately, common pollutants like dust, allergens, and even cleaning chemicals can lurk in our homes, contributing to fatigue, allergies, and even respiratory issues. However, don’t worry! Taking control of your indoor air quality is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 10 powerful tips to improve indoor air quality.
7 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Do you ever feel tired or get headaches while indoors? You’re not alone! Poor air quality caused by common household elements can affect our health and comfort. But don’t worry! With these seven simple tips, you can make your living space a clean-air haven. Here’s how:
Boost Ventilation
Want to breathe fresh air indoors? It’s easier than you think! Stale air can be harmful due to pollutants. Boost ventilation by opening windows and letting the fresh air flow in. Here are some other things you can do to boost ventilation in your living spaces:
- Open Up: It’s important to regularly open windows and doors, especially after cooking, cleaning, or showering. Make sure to have 15 minutes of cross-ventilation daily to remove built-up contaminants.
- Use the Fans: Ceiling fans create a windchill effect and circulate air, making you feel cooler without lowering the AC. Don’t forget to use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove fumes and moisture at their source.
- Consider an Air Exchanger: If weather or noise limits window opening, invest in an air exchanger. This system continuously brings in fresh air while expelling stale air, maintaining a healthy balance without significant heat loss.
- Target the Source: While whole-house ventilation is important, target specific areas, too. Use stovetop extractor fans while cooking and bathroom exhaust fans during showers to remove pollutants directly.
- Find Your Balance: While fresh air is crucial, moderation is key. Adjust strategies based on your climate and needs. Opt for breathable window coverings to allow airflow while maintaining privacy and temperature control.
By implementing these simple steps and boosting ventilation, you can transform your home into a haven of fresh air. So, open the windows, turn on the fans, and breathe easy!
Filter Out Pollutants
Improve the quality of the air you breathe in your home by taking some simple steps. Start by upgrading your HVAC system’s filters regularly, at least every 2-3 months, and choose filters with a higher MERV rating (8+) for better protection. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are also helpful in high-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms, as they can capture even the smallest allergens.
Remember to keep the air circulating, as they must work effectively. You can also introduce some houseplants like peace lilies and spider plants, which are natural air filters that absorb pollutants and release oxygen. They are also decorative and add to the beauty of your home.
Finally, consider investing in a DIY air quality monitor to track pollutant levels and see how your efforts are paying off. Regular filter changes, occasional air purifier support, and the addition of a few green plants can significantly improve the quality of the air in your home. So, breathe easy knowing you’ve taken simple steps to create a healthier indoor environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Control Dust and Allergens
- Vacuum smart: Opt for a HEPA filter vacuum and clean carpets and furniture twice a week. Instead of a feather duster, use damp cloths to trap dust. Wash bedding and stuffed toys weekly in hot water.
- Contain pet dander: Keep furry friends out of bedrooms and invest in HEPA air purifiers in pet areas.
- Declutter for less dust: Minimize dust-collecting surfaces and store away rarely used items. Seal leaks around windows and doors to keep outdoor allergens at bay.
- Make mites miserable: Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers and wash them regularly. Control humidity with a dehumidifier to create an unwelcome habitat for dust mites.
By consistently implementing these simple strategies, you’ll create a healthier, happier home free from those microscopic troublemakers. So breathe easy and enjoy cleaner air!
Read More : Best Air Filters for Allergies
Banish Smoking Indoors
Secondhand smoke can cause severe health issues, but you can protect yourself at home. Just ban smoking indoors altogether to create a safe haven free from its harmful effects. Protect your family and guests from secondhand smoke by creating a designated outdoor smoking area with proper ventilation and disposal of cigarette butts.
Remember that smoke residue can linger on clothes, furniture, and surfaces, posing a continued health risk. Even after opening windows, smoke can still be harmful to others. Encourage smokers to step outside and enjoy fresh air while respecting everyone’s right to breathe clean, healthy air within your home. A smoke-free home is a healthier home for all.
Read More : Best Air Filter For Cigarette Smoke
Address Moisture and Mold
- Target the Sources: Identify and address moisture sources like leaky pipes, poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and condensation around windows. Invest in repairs, use exhaust fans diligently, and consider dehumidifiers to control humidity levels (ideally 30-50%).
- Check for Mold in Your Home: Inspect basements, attics, and areas prone to moisture for signs of mold growth (dark spots, musty odors). If you find mold, act quickly. Small areas can be cleaned with vinegar or bleach solutions, but for larger infestations, seek professional help.
- Prevent Future Growth: Address the root cause of moisture and maintain low humidity levels. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows when weather permits and using exhaust fans. Consider installing moisture detectors for early warnings.
- Choose Natural Materials: Opt for natural materials like wood and cotton that breathe better than synthetics. Avoid moisture-trapping carpets in basements and bathrooms.
Bring in the Green
Houseplants not only add beauty to your home, but they can also improve the air quality by acting as natural air purifiers. They are silent warriors that can filter out pollutants and boost the oxygen level in your home. Choosing the right plants is essential. Peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants are great air-purifying plants that can tackle common pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
Placing them near furniture and electronics, which are known sources of off-gassing, can maximize their cleansing potential. Don’t forget to place them in high-traffic areas like bedrooms and living rooms, where improved air quality can impact your well-being significantly. Keep in mind that these plants are living beings and have specific needs. Research their light preferences and offer them the sunshine they need, whether directly or indirectly.
Proper watering, misting for some, and providing the right humidity levels are crucial for optimal air-purifying performance. Occasionally, fertilize them to keep them healthy and work their magic. For an even greater impact, consider grouping several plants together, creating a mini “urban jungle” within your home. This will not only surround you with vibrant greenery but also provide a noticeable improvement in air quality.
Read More: Best Air Purifying Plants For Indoor Use
With proper care, your houseplants can become loyal companions, providing clean air and enhancing your well-being for years to come. So, bring in the green and breathe easy knowing your home is a haven of both beauty and health.
Maintain Your HVAC System
- Schedule Regular Checkups: Think of annual professional maintenance as your HVAC system’s yearly physical. Technicians will clean components, check refrigerant levels, and identify potential issues before they become major problems. It’s an investment in your system’s longevity and your own comfort.
- Keep Filters Clean: Your air filters are frontline defenders, capturing dust and allergens. Replace them regularly (every 2-3 months) to ensure smooth airflow and optimal performance. Choose higher MERV ratings (8+) for improved filtration, but remember to check compatibility with your system.
- Lubricate for higher efficiency: Just like your car, your HVAC system needs lubricant changes. Schedule professional cleaning of blower compartments and motor lubrication to maintain efficiency and prevent wear and tear.
- Clean the Ducts: Your ductwork is the system’s hidden network, transporting conditioned air throughout your home. If dust and debris accumulate, you’ll breathe them in. Consider professional duct cleaning every 5-7 years, especially if you notice dust buildup around registers or have allergies.
- Upgrade Wisely: If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider energy-efficient replacements. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but newer models often have better filtration and air quality features.
In Conclusion
Great job! You now know how to keep the air in your home clean and healthy. Follow these expert tips to protect against pollutants, allergens, and moisture. Remember, this is an ongoing process. By making these practices a part of your daily routine, you can create a safe and refreshing environment for you and your loved ones.
If you want to take it a step further, consider using custom filters from Custom Filters Direct. These filters are tailored to meet your specific needs and challenges, providing the ultimate air filtration solution. Contact our experts to find the appropriate filter for your HVAC system and enjoy a healthier indoor environment!