Air pollution in your home can be harmful or worse than outdoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the level of air pollutants indoors may be up to 100 times higher than the air pollutants outdoors. In addition, they might have a greater impact on your family’s health.
The health effects of indoor air pollution depend on the type of pollutant in your air, but the most common ones are asthma, allergic reactions, and lung cancer. Fortunately, with a bit of preventative maintenance and some basic knowledge, you can take steps to improve your indoor air quality. Here are some ways you can improve the air quality in your home.
- Change your AC filter
Air conditioning units run continuously to give your home a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, as they cycle through the air, they filter out some of the most common air pollutants, and over time their air filters fill up with dust or dander and stop working. This affects the indoor air quality in your home and wears down your air conditioning system, which may lead to expensive repairs. Be sure to change your AC filters regularly or get a professional air conditioning service, which usually includes a filter change.
- Invest in an air purifier
Pollen and dust particles can be microscopic, making them difficult to clean. A quality air purifying machine traps and eliminates nearly 100% of pollutants by sucking in dirty air, filtering it, and releasing it back into the room much cleaner and fresher. An air purifier can be especially helpful during the hay fever season and usually has LED displays that flash green if the surrounding air is clean.
- Improve ventilation
Another excellent way of reducing the concentration of indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air getting into your living spaces. Opening the doors and windows or running an attic fan when the weather allows can help increase the outdoor ventilation rate. It’s particularly important to take these steps while doing short-term tasks, such as cooking with a gas stove, painting, or heating with kerosene heaters.
- Clean air ducts regularly
Air ducts help circulate cold and hot air throughout your home, providing a comfortable climate in every space. However, if the vents are poorly installed or not maintained, they can circulate harmful contaminants from one room to another. Eventually, dander, dust, or even mold may build up in your ducts, lowering the overall air quality. Consider performing DIY duct cleaning or hire a professional to ensure your ducts circulate fresh, clean air.
- Add Indoor plants
Indoor plants are an excellent way to add life and visual appeal to any space and may also help increase oxygen inside your home and purify the air. They do this by helping filter the pollutants generated inside your home, including from cleaning products, natural gas, or carpets. Depending on your space, some houseplants thrive in little light, while others need adequate sunlight to grow.
Endnote
Poor air quality can pose health risks to your family, so it’s essential to prevent and reduce these pollutants and ensure your living spaces are well-ventilated. These tips can help you improve air quality in your home and reduce related health risks. Testing your home’s air quality can bring peace if you are concerned about indoor air pollution.
