Indoor air quality is important for quality of living the problem is that the air quality inside our homes is sometimes more polluted than the air outside our homes. The following are simple tips that can make a big difference in your indoor air quality:
Air Filters:
Most homes have a number of air filtering devices, but having the filtering devices is just a part of the solution. Homeowners need to keep those filters working efficiently.
Your homes’ heating a cooling system has a filter. The filter helps to keep unwanted pollutants out of your HVAC system and help to increase the system’s productivity. The filter needs to be replaced as frequently as the manufacturer recommends to keep your air clean of allergens. The filters may be a part of the HVAC system or they may be located in the air return vents in the walls.
Upgrading furnace filters to high performance models can offer you an improvement in your air quality. These high performance filters use static to capture dust, dander, and pollen in the air. This helps to alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms for your family.
If you have a humidifier, dehumidifier or air purifier they all may have filters that need to be cleaned or changed on a regular basis to keep them performing as they should.
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will help to capture allergy causing partials. This filter will also need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Your wet/dry vac also has a filter which can be upgraded to a high-performance HEPA filter that will resist clogging and make it easier to clean. HEPA filters are an effective strategy to help in removing irritating particles from your home.
The removable range hood filter above your stove should be washed on a regular basis with warm water and soap.
Bathroom vents should also be removed and cleaned regularly to avoid a build up of dust and dirt.
House plants are nature’s air filters. Live plants clean out air pollutants and put oxygen back in the air. They also act as humidifiers which make breathing easier. Some plants even absorb odors.
Other Tips:
Carbon monoxide is an air pollutant that can cause death when undetected. To keep your family safe, install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. The detector should be placed close enough to the bedrooms that it can be heard even with the door closed.
Smoke pollutes the air and even secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems. Do not allow smoking in your home.
Dirt, dander, and dust are air pollutants that cause allergy issues. Cleaning your home regularly including dusting, vacuuming, and laundering bedding can help alleviate some of the problem.
Removing shoes before entering the house helps to prevent some of the dirt and dust from entering in the first place.
Mold growth from high humidity levels can be another source of air pollutant. A hygrometer measures the level of humidity in your home and can help you determine if you need to run a dehumidifier. Proper maintenance of leaks and drips can also help prevent molding issues.
If you live near a large city or in an area that has a high level of pollutants in the air keeping your doors and windows closed will help to keep the outside air pollution out.
Newer house plans are built with a tighter construction which has its benefits but it can lead to poor indoor air quality. Ventilation can be improved by using attic, window and ceiling fans to help circulate the air and keep it from getting stale. Leaving doors open between rooms will also allow the air to move and circulate.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues for your family. Be aware of the risks of indoor air pollution and plan to do something about it to keep your family healthy and living a good quality of life.