Indoor air quality can have a massive impact on our overall health and wellbeing. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is increasing scientific evidence that indoor air can be more seriously polluted than the air outside, even in industrialized areas. Since we spend approximately 90% of our time inside, it is important that we care for our indoor air. Fortunately, we have some top tips to help you out.
Bring Nature Inside
Houseplants are not just attractive; they also clean your indoor air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. This is the reverse of animals and humans, so by having plants inside your home, you’re establishing a symbiotic relationship that will filter your air and add fresh oxygen.
Crack Your Windows
Newer homes, in particular, tend not to breathe well. Since most homes are designed to keep the air contained to improve heating and cooling, it means that air is recirculated again and again. This creates problems for indoor air quality, so you can let fresh air in by cracking your windows.
Install a UV Furnace Filter
Your furnace blower helps to recirculate your indoor air through all your ductwork. Unfortunately, if you’re not too good at keeping your floors and home clean, the dust, dirt and other debris can simply be carried in the air around your home. This can be counteracted by your furnace filter, and the addition of a UV will ensure that any mold spores and bacteria is eradicated. A UV filtration system can create a 90% improvement in your air quality.
Change Your Filters Regularly
As mentioned above, your HVAC filters have a massive impact on air quality. This means that it is vital that your filters are changed regularly. Your HVAC system circulates approximately 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute through the filters, so the air inside your home goes through each filter several times each day. Clean filters can remove airborne particles including dust, dirt and microscopic debris, but once the filter is dirty, it acts as a reservoir of contaminants releasing them back into your indoor air. Most manufacturers recommend changing your air filters each month during the heating and cooling seasons.
Use Exhaust Fans and Dehumidifiers to Reduce Humidity and Mold
Bathing, cooking and even breathing can allow humidity to accumulate in a tightly sealed home. High humidity also creates the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and toxic mold. The EPA recommends maintaining a humidity level inside your home of 30 to 60 percent, but the optimum level depends on your personal preferences and level of physical activities.
Mold growth releases millions of spores to contaminate your indoor air. So you need to use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to bring the humidity levels down and reduce the risks of mold developing.
Vacuum Regularly
While this may seem simple, regular vacuuming will reduce the dust, mites and harmful allergens that are polluting your home. For superb cleaning, use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter.
Don’t forget; it’s not just your floors that need to be vacuumed. Drapes, soft furnishings, bedding, and upholstery, can also be home to microscopic mites and dust, so give them a clean regularly.