EFFECTIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Effective Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality, or IAQ, plays a vital role in the health and comfort of your home. Most people spend a significant amount of time indoors; ensuring that the air we breathe is as clean and safe as possible is essential. Airborne pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accumulate in your home and affect your health. Fortunately, various effective strategies improve indoor air quality, reduce harmful particles, and create a cleaner environment for you and your family.

Air purifiers are one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers draw in air, filter out the contaminants, and capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and VOCs. An air purifier can help keep the air inside much cleaner for people living in places with very little natural ventilation.

To ensure optimal airflow and air quality, it is important to change the filter of your HVAC system regularly. Obstructed airflow by dirty filters lets pollutants circulate freely in your home. Remember to change your vacuum cleaner's and air purifiers' HEPA filters because they have a fine particle-capturing capability.

Bedding is a hotspot for dust mites and allergens. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers regularly in hot water to eliminate contaminants and prevent them from circulating in the air. Using allergen-proof covers for your pillows and mattress further reduces exposure.

Combustion sources such as candles, wood, or gas appliances release harmful pollutants into the air. To protect indoor air, purchase an air quality monitor and try to avoid combustion sources. The use of electric heaters or heat pumps reduces combustion-related pollution.

Make sure to vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, and allergens that accumulate on floors and carpets. For best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap small particles before they become airborne. High-traffic areas should be vacuumed every few days, and other rooms should be vacuumed at least once a week.

Outdoor air can penetrate indoors and contaminate the air. Take advantage of the AirNow smartphone app, which offers up-to-date AQI readings in the neighborhood to track outdoor air quality. 

Maintaining balanced humidity is essential for healthy air. Excessive humidity fosters mold growth, whereas low humidity leads to dryness and discomfort. A dehumidifier should be used in damp areas, and a humidifier should be used in dry climates to maintain ideal humidity levels.

Open your windows and doors on days when there is good outdoor air quality. Natural ventilation will help flush out indoor pollutants and thereby reduce their concentration, particularly in areas with limited airflow.

Poor ventilation builds up more indoor pollutants, including cooking fumes and dander, due to pets. Use your exhaust fans both in the kitchen and bathroom so that all moisture and stinky fumes get flushed out easily, which then reduces the chances of mold. Thus, your home has fresher air all the time.

Conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that worsen the indoor air quality. Eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning products like Kanberra® can reduce VOCs and maintain cleaner air inside your home. 

Some houseplants, like peace lilies and snake plants, naturally filter out toxins from the air. These plants should be placed in areas with limited ventilation to help improve the air quality in your home.

Smoking indoors releases harmful chemicals and particulates, contributing to poor indoor air quality. For the health of everyone in your home, make it a rule to smoke only outdoors to prevent tobacco smoke from polluting your indoor environment.

Hire experts like Indoor Air Pro for a more thorough approach to improving indoor air quality. These experts evaluate and address all issues related to air quality, including mold, ventilation problems, and high levels of particulates. Some services they offer include cleaning HVAC systems, ductwork inspections, and advanced air filtration systems designed to help you maintain a healthier, cleaner indoor environment.