Easy Ways You Can Significantly Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

As the world outside our windows becomes more polluted, it's important to remember that indoor air quality is just as important. Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air due to factors like dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew spores, and chemical emissions from furniture and other household items. Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, and respiratory issues. 

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to significantly improve your home’s indoor air quality and this article will discuss six easy ways you can make a big difference in the cleanliness of your home’s air.

Invest in an air purifier

Air purifiers are designed to reduce the concentration of pollutants in your home’s air through filtration. Investing in a good quality air purifier can help to significantly reduce contaminants and improve indoor air quality, while also reducing the number of allergens and airborne particles.

Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose from a variety of air purifiers that work on different mechanisms. Some use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria and viruses while others simply filter out dust and particulates. The latter would be best with HEPA filters, which are the most efficient at trapping particles and allergens.

Keep an eye on humidity levels

Humidity is important in keeping indoor air quality balanced. Too much humidity can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew while too little dries out your home, making it more susceptible to dust mites and other allergens. The ideal humidity level indoors should be around 45-50 percent.

If you live in a flood area, you need to take special care that the humidity level does not exceed 70 percent as this can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

You should invest in a humidity monitor or dehumidifier to keep an eye on your home’s humidity levels. Moreover, protect your home with Smart Vent flood vents which can easily let the water out from your home. These vents not only wet floodproof your home but also help in keeping it dry and healthy by preventing water pressure from building up inside during flooding.

Vacuum regularly

Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping the indoor air quality in check. Vacuums with HEPA filters can help to effectively trap dust and allergens from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. You must change your vacuum bag or filter regularly as they can get clogged up quickly, rendering them less effective.

If you have pets, it’s best to use a vacuum with an ultra-fine filter that is specifically designed for trapping pet dander and other allergens.

Avoid chemicals and toxins

Chemicals and toxins such as those found in cleaning products can harm indoor air quality. Whenever possible, opt for natural alternatives such as baking soda or vinegar to clean your home instead of chemical-based cleaning solutions. If you do need to use chemical cleaners, make sure that the room is well-ventilated and the windows are open.

Additionally, you should avoid products that give off VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as aerosol sprays, deodorants, and air fresheners.

Clean your air ducts regularly

Air ducts should be inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure that they are free from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. If left unchecked, these contaminants can build up in air ducts over time and then get circulated into the rest of the house, contributing to poor indoor air quality.

The main ducts that should be inspected and cleaned by a professional HVAC specialist are the return and supply ducts. If you have multiple air returns, make sure that all of them are inspected and cleaned.

Plants can help too

Another way to improve your indoor air quality is by introducing some plants into your home. Certain types of houseplants naturally filter out pollutants from the air such as formaldehyde and benzene and these include ferns, spider plants, and bromeliads.

If you want to have plants in your home but don’t have a green thumb, then you can opt for air-purifying plants that require minimal maintenance—like succulents, aloe vera, and snake plants.

From investing in an air purifier to introducing some plants into your living space, there are many easy ways to improve the quality of your indoor air. Additionally, it’s important to keep humidity levels balanced as well as regularly vacuum and clean out dust and dirt from ducts so that they don’t contribute further to poor indoor air quality.

With these simple steps, you can rest assured knowing that the air inside your house will be safe and healthy for everyone who inhabits it.