Are you nose blind to the air quality in your home? According to the EPA, your indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse than outdoors. Ensuring air quality encompasses more than eliminating pesky smells; it’s about the health and purity of the air you breathe. And it’s especially important to maintain the air quality in your home if you or your family struggle with allergies or respiratory illness. Let’s consider five easy ways to improve the air quality in your home today.
Bring the outdoors in.
Throw open those windows; it’s a great place to start improving indoor air quality. The breeze will not only help eliminate odors, but also clear out chemicals or other pollutants that are lingering.
Another fun and aesthetically pleasing way to bring the outdoors in is with houseplants. Did you know that a single houseplant can help eliminate toxic chemicals such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia? So dust off that green thumb, grab a spider plant or two, and get to work purifying your air!
Stamp out dirt.
Putting off pesky chores such as dusting and cleaning may not be as innocent as it sounds. Keeping carpets, upholstery, drapery, and bedding clean are crucial to maintaining air quality in your home. Anything that can hold dust, mites, dander or pests needs regular cleaning. Skip feather dusters in favor of a damp cloth to better trap and eliminate dirt. Don’t forget to clean high and low; blinds, ceiling fans, and vent covers are easily forgotten.
Prevent dirt from entering your home in the first place by asking family and guests to remove their shoes, wiping Fido’s paws at the door, and washing soiled outerwear or work clothes promptly. With an ounce of prevention and regular quick cleans, you can be well ahead in your efforts to purifying your air.
Filter, filter, filter.
How many filters and vents can you find in your home right now? The filters in your HVAC system are the most obvious. But did you know that there are other filters and vents in your home that need regular cleaning and replacing to ensure air quality? Think about your dryer vent, stove vent hood, vacuum filter, and bathroom vent. Check with your local professional on recommended maintenance for each of these as well as on professional duct cleaning. Bear in mind that cooling systems also have the added risk of incubating bacteria if not regularly cleaned.
Electrostatic and other air purifiers are filters that you can add to your home to help you purify your air. Try activated charcoal, baking soda, or ground coffee for a quick, cheap, and easy way to filter smells and airborne toxins from your home!
Sniff out the culprit.
Beauty products in aerosol form should be reconsidered; the aerosol can be detrimental to your lung health. Try essential oils rather than artificial air fresheners for an added olfactory boost.
Smoke. Think beyond cigarette smoke here, folks. (Although, second-hand smoke is the most dangerous pollutant to your home’s air and should be eliminated immediately.) Having your chimney swept by a professional is necessary at least yearly; check with a professional for personalized recommendations. Also, avoid burning pressure treated or other chemically treated wood. Another good change is to switch to burning non-toxic candles such as unscented soy.
Regular maintenance and battery changes to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital. Check with the fire department for questions on these; the local fire department may also have resources available to assist you in obtaining these detectors at a reduced cost. Also, having your home tested for radon by a professional is important, especially when relocating. Your local professional will also be able to assist with proper ventilation if radon is detected.
Moisture control.
Mold, mildew, dust mites, and other allergens are attracted to high-moisture areas. Employing air conditioners or dehumidifiers may be the best way to deal with these issues in your home. It is also recommended to keep your bathroom vent running up to 10 minutes after showering to continue to eliminate excess steam and moisture in the air. In the winter or dry climates, using a humidifier or boiling water on your stove can also be helpful in improving air quality. It is recommended to keep the relative humidity in your home between 30 and 60%. Check with your local professional or hardware store on products to help you measure this.
Many of the steps above can be implemented quickly and inexpensively to help you breathe easily and safely in your home. A local professional is a good choice for some of the more complicated testing and cleaning. Whatever the air quality or climate is outside of your home, it is possible, and important, to maintain quality and healthy air inside your home.
