The quality of indoor air is usually not given much regard while in fact, it plays a significant role in creating a healthful home atmosphere. Damaging the quality of the air we breathe has negative consequences for our health, we develop respiratory problems and allergies and in the long-run, there are other complications. Fortunately, you can make several changes to your home that will allow it to generate better air quality. In this piece, we shall uncover simple and cheap strategies in improving the air quality inside your house.
Why Air Quality Matters
Surveys have shown that the air that you breathe in your house is as polluted as, if not more than the air in the streets. Particulate matter, animal fur and epithelium, cleaning agents, and air pollution can all be found indoors. These particles over time impose some sort of health hazard. Indoor air quality is not just the luxury of having quality air to breathe at home but it is a sign that you and your family’s health is safe.
Simple Upgrades for Better Air Quality
1. Change Air Filters Regularly
Another way of enhancing the standard of the indoors is by altering the air filters of the HVAC systems. These filters capture dust, pollen and other particles before it enters into the machining process. In the long run; they are prone to getting blocked and not as efficient as before. By replacing your air filters every 1-3month, you can be in a position to breathe the right air in your house.
2. Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are an important investment to make in order to enhance good air quality inside the homes and buildings. They help in eradicating other agents in the air such as dust, smoke, and pet dander. And some purifiers also combat smells and organic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Site the air purifiers in areas that record high traffic or where you spend most of your time such as the bedroom and the living room.
3. The use of houseplants as air cleaning tools
There are some specific houseplants which can easily help in the purification of the air. Snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, for instance, clean the air and produce oxygen. Not only do they eradicate or decrease the fame of indoor air polluting agents, but they also bring out a feel of green to your home.
4. Control Humidity Levels
High humidity is hence dangerous because it promotes mold formation and the appearance of dust mites that are not good for your health. At the same time, low humidity contributes to the skin being dry, and the throat and other passageways irritated. Employing a dehumidifier where there is humidity such as in basements is therefore important in reducing humidity. Ideally, the humidity should be low within a House and it is suggested that it should be at 30-50%.
5. Ventilate Your Home
Among the useful recommendations on how to enhance the quality of the air in houses and other closed spaces, the question of ventilation is undoubtedly the most important one. It assists in the displacement of old dirt laden air and the admission of fresh air from the outside world. To increase air circulations in the house you should open doors and windows frequently, use fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and check if the air conditioning system is working optimally.
Avoid Common Air Pollutants
- Avoid the use of chemicals as cleaners as much as possible
- Ban Smoking Indoors
- One major cause of poor indoor air quality is the improper use of scented products; Below are guidelines to follow that could help instill good indoor air quality:
Most people use air fresheners, scented candles, and sprays that help give our homes a good smell, but they are a culprit to indoor air pollution. Most of the products include chemicals that can cause inflammation to your respiratory tract. Thus, irrespective of the odor, its removal should be carried out using the aroma machine or other natural products like baking soda.
Conclusion
There are no big and complex changes that can be made to amend the air quality of your home. The following are some measures that you can take to reduce the levels of pollutants in the indoor environment: Simple measures such as replacing the air filters, use of air purifiers and avoiding certain pollutants will go a long way in improving the quality of your indoor air. Just as in any direct Trans-Atlantic flight, it is not difficult to get small incremental improvements to the quality of air one breath in daily life.
Take the first step today and start breathing easier in your own home.
