Chances are that you’ve seen news reports about increasing global pollution and its effect on public health and the environment. But have you ever given some thought to the quality of air in your home? You should, as indoor air quality is becoming a global issue as the concentration of pollutants is increasing in our homes, schools, workplaces, and other indoor spaces.
Depending on the type of pollutants in a home, poor air quality can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, allergic reactions, and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. The major causes of indoor air pollution include:
- Tobacco products.
- Deteriorated building and furnishing materials.
- Excess moisture.
- Outdoor pollution.
- Wood stove and heating devices.
- Biological agents like molds, mildew, bacteria, animal urine, and so on.
Below, you’ll find simple steps you can take to improve air quality in your home:
Improve Ventilation
One of the best ways to improve air quality in your home is to improve ventilation, something you can achieve in different ways. One method involves opening doors and windows for a quick burst of fresh air, especially on temperature days when there’s a gentle breeze. If you have any pets, ensure they are enclosed before you leave your door open. This is even more important for those that don’t have a fence in their yard. It’s worth mentioning that you should let outside air in only if it’s clean or low in pollen.
Install ceiling fans and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems in your home. To get the most out of your HVAC system, you need to properly maintain it so it remains in top condition. You can safeguard your HVAC and other major appliances in your home against unexpected repair or replacement by buying a home warranty. Check out https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/are-home-warranties-worth-it for more information about home warranties and whether they are right for you.
Inspect vents to check they are unobstructed and wipe off any dirt or dust that has accumulated on them.
Invest In An Air Purifier
Another excellent way to improve the quality of indoor air is to invest in an air purifier. As the name implies, air purifiers remove contaminants from indoor air, effectively purifying it. Air purifiers also refresh stale air, relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, improve sleep, and neutralize unpleasant odors.
There are different types of air purifiers, and they include HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers, Activated Carbon filters, and Ozone generators, with each type having its own mechanism for purifying indoor air. HEPA air purifiers are generally regarded as the best type of air purifiers due to their ability to trap particulate matter and minute pathogens.
Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier are maintenance, size compatibility, noise level, and asthma and allergy-friendly certification. The primary purpose of the purifier should also be considered. It could be you are more concerned about reducing pollution, removing odor, reducing pathogens, or decreasing allergens.
Check Air Quality
Having an idea of the quality of the air in your home can help you identify changes that can improve air quality. You can either have a professional carry out the test or go down the DIY route. If you want to assess your indoor air quality yourself, there are several indoor air monitors on the market.
Do some research before buying an indoor air quality monitor to ensure you go for a quality one. Some air quality monitors are designed to keep track of one pollutant, while others can check multiple pollutants.
However, if you want a comprehensive assessment or are interested in a particular allergen or pollutant, you may consider having a professional check your indoor quality. This option costs more than buying a monitor, but you get a full panel of accurate results.
It’s important you recognize signs of poor indoor quality which usually include cough and respiratory problems, weird smells, mold growth, allergic episodes, skin irritation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and headaches. Any of these could point to poor air quality, and a professional can help you evaluate the quality of your indoor air.
Invest In A Dehumidifier
Dampness or high indoor humidity reduces the quality of indoor air and provides an excellent environment for mold and mites to thrive. Poor ventilation, humid climates, and leaky roof or plumbing systems are the main causes of high humidity in a home.
One of the best ways to control humidity is to invest in a dehumidifier. As the name implies, dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air making indoor air drier and more comfortable. This inhibits the growth of mold and mites while protecting home furniture and upholstery.