Are you concerned about the air quality in your home? You’re not alone. A growing number of homeowners, particularly parents, are increasingly aware of the impact of indoor air quality on their health and wellbeing. In fact, over 50% of Americans believe that indoor air quality is crucial for good health and plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
With this in mind, this post will examine some practical ways you can improve the air quality in your home. By servicing your HVAC, increasing outdoor ventilation, using HEPA filters, reducing mold, investing in air purifiers, using natural cleaning products, and incorporating air-purifying plants, you can take control of your living environment. This sense of control will empower you and boost your confidence in your ability to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Service Your HVAC
Your HVAC system, responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is likely running pretty much all year round in one capacity or another. Over this time, if you’re not cleaning your system, getting it serviced, or even changing the filters, contaminants will likely accumulate, which are then redistributed around your home. Having your HVAC system serviced regularly and maintained can help you improve air quality and desire to breathe in fresh air.
Increase Outdoor Ventilation
Increasing outdoor ventilation is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Simply getting into the habit of opening windows and doors can significantly improve the air quality in your home. This simple step can help you feel at ease, knowing that you’re taking a proactive approach to your health.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are powerful tools in the fight against airborne contaminants. They can remove almost 100% of harmful particles from the air, ensuring you and your family breathe in fresher, cleaner air. Whether it’s in your HVAC system, your vacuum cleaner, or any other appliance that uses a filter, the more particles you can trap and eliminate, the better your indoor air quality will be and the healthier you can live.
Reduce Mold
Mold spores and dampness in your home can drastically reduce the air quality and even contribute to poor health depending on the severity of their issue and the type of mold present in your home. While not all mold spores are dangerous to your health, they are not ideal in your home, so identifying and eliminating any issues can afford you a happier, healthier home. This can be done by finding the source of the problem and rectifying it, using dehumidifiers to dry out the space, and then cleaning and moving visible signs of mold and dampness and treating the area to stop regrowth.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can effectively remove harmful particles from the air, especially when used with HEPA filters. While not all air purifiers are equally effective, investing in a machine that suits your specific needs can be highly beneficial for your home. This reassurance can help you feel secure and confident in your investment in improving your indoor air quality.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
If you’re looking to reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home, switching to natural cleaning products like lemons, baking soda, and white vinegar can be a game-changer. Investing in or making your own natural cleaning supplies can significantly improve your home’s cleanliness and health, giving you a greater sense of control over your living environment.
Use Plants
NASA has a list of plants that have air-purifying properties. These plants, when placed in your home, can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants and adding natural beauty to your home. Plants such as the peace lily, aloe vera, spider plants, dracaena, and bamboo palm, for example, all make NASA’s list of the best purifying plants to have in your home.
Remember, not all plants are equal when it comes to removing pollutants from the air; different studies have shown varying results in exactly how effective certain plants are in purifying the air, so make sure you know what to expect before filling your home with them.
Control Allergens
Allergens, substances that can cause an allergic reaction, can be present in your home in many forms, from pet dander to pollen, food allergies, various pollutants, and more. Using tools at your disposal, such as vacuuming frequently, moving soft furnishings or carpets to facilitate wiser cleaning, and controlling dust and mites in places like sofas and mattresses can enable you to remove excess contaminants, thus making your home cleaner and your air quality will automatically improve based on this alone.
