Your overall health and quality of life can be affected by the air quality in your home. According to the EPA, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, so it’s important to have clean air at home. Mold, dust, and other particulates can irritate your lungs and cause chronic health problems. Naturally, you want your family to be healthy in your home, so check out these 8 easy ways to improve indoor air quality.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Houseplants
Certain types of houseplants are known to absorb air pollutants. As a bonus, they’re also nice to look at and can improve your living spaces. If you don’t have a lot of extra time to care for plants, choose varieties that don’t require much maintenance.
Check for Mold
Mold grows and spreads in damp areas, be sure to check your home for leaks, cracked pipes, and damp spots. Indoor mold can lead to severe respiratory problems and worsen allergy symptoms. If you notice a funny smell or are not feeling well when you’re at home, then you should have your home inspected for mold.
Smoke and Vape Outside
Smoke from cigarettes and vapor from electronic cigarettes contain unhealthy chemicals and harm indoor air quality when smoked indoors. The remnants from smoke or vapor don’t just disappear, they build up in the air. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer, so protect your family by only using tobacco outdoors well away from windows and doors.
Circulation and Filtration Helps Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you don’t open your windows for ventilation, dust will build up in your home and the air will become stagnant. Dust and other particles make your allergies worse and make it hard to breathe. Regularly use your ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathrooms and open windows as the weather permits.
Many heating systems require filters to run properly. When the filters become dirty, contaminants may circulate through your home and irritate your eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs. Be sure to change the air filter as the manufacturer recommends.
Dehumidifier
Humid air is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and fine particles can travel through the air more easily when it’s humid. Dehumidifiers are an easy and inexpensive way to remove excess moisture from the air so that mold doesn’t grow. Using a dehumidifier is as simple as plugging it in, letting it run, and emptying it when it’s full.
Vacuum and Clean Carpets, Furniture, and Linens
Dust, dirt, moisture, and anything that you track in on your shoes can get trapped in your carpets, furniture, and linens. All of these particles get kicked into the air whenever you sit down on your couch, walk on your rug, or open your curtains. To remedy this, vacuum regularly and shampoo your carpets, linens, and any upholstered furniture.
Regularly Groom Your Pets
Most pets shed, including hypoallergenic dogs and cats, though they shed less than other breeds. Pet fur and dander can get all over your house, so it’s important to vacuum regularly to keep your home clean. Regular grooming will help get rid of fur and dander so that it is not in the air.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with an Air Purifier
Sometimes, no matter how much work you do, your air quality may still suffer. If this is the case, then you should consider purchasing an air purifier. Air purifiers collect dust, dander, and irritants, so they are an easy tool you can use to improve indoor air quality.
St. James Home Services offers home inspection services to Durham and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Contact us to schedule your appointment.