4 Ways You Can Improve and Maintain Your Air Quality at Home
One topic of discussion that homeowners may not discuss enough is the importance of indoor air quality. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that the concentration of air pollution indoors can be two to five times as much as the outdoors.
Many factors contribute to the poor air quality in our homes and can lead to health problems, including respiratory and sinus infections as well as higher rates of asthma and allergy attacks.
Good thing for homeowners in Manchester, NH, there are several different ways to turn the tide against poor indoor air quality. Here are four different ways you can improve and maintain the air quality in your home.
1. Purchase More Houseplants
Add a touch of beauty and nature to your home while simultaneously battling the toxins in the air by buying more houseplants.
These green additions can be natural air purifiers for your home. The more green you bring inside, the greater the impact. Certain species of plants are better at cleaning the air than others.
Some of the most effective air-cleaning houseplants include Peace Lily, Lady Palm, Bromeliad, Dracaena, Boston Fern, Spider Plant, Jade Plant and Aloe Vera.
2. Cut Out Cleaners With Harsh Chemicals
Among the worst offenders when it comes to indoor air pollution are the gallons of chemical cleaners many homeowners keep under the sink or in their closets.
Even when you're not spraying or wiping surfaces with them, they can decrease the air quality. A number of these cleaners include high levels of harmful compounds, including ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates and petroleum-based substances.
Try your hand at cleaning with eco-friendly, biodegradable products. Check the labels for any health warnings. Many green cleaning products are available at major retailers.
If you prefer an even more natural answer, it's possible to concoct a variety of cleaning solutions using natural ingredients, including water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Circulate More Fresh Air Into Your Home
One method of cleaning the air that's fast-acting, effective and inexpensive is simply opening more windows and allowing fresh air to ventilate into your home. The best time to do this is while cooking, especially if you use a gas stove.
Another thing ventilating your home does is lower moisture levels, which may slow down mold and mildew growth. Open a window or use your bathroom fan while you bathe to decrease the amount of condensation.
Homeowners who may not want to open windows due to fears of inviting in more outdoor air pollution have options as well. Installing trickle vents or exhaust fans can have the same effect as opening windows while maintaining high air quality.
4. Swap Out Your HVAC Filter on a Regular Basis
Filters attached to HVAC systems are effective at ensuring dust and debris that makes its way into your ductwork doesn't make its way into every corner of your home.
But this can only work if the filter isn't dirty or clogged. It's suggested you inspect your filter every few months to see whether or not you need to order a replacement.
When it comes to maintaining the air quality in your home, it's best to be proactive. By following the steps above, you can protect your family from harmful substances in an effective way that won't come at a high cost to you.
