Many of us like to spend time inside our homes, particularly during winter or when it is very hot outside. However, indoor air contains small particles of dust, allergens, and pollutants that can harm you if there is no air circulation.
So, how do you improve your indoor air quality? Learn the following tips for that.
Control Indoor Pollution at the Source
The best way to reduce indoor pollution is to control the source. For instance, stop smoking indoors because secondhand tobacco smoke is a major pollutant. Use low- or no-VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives.
Moreover, the fragrance and cleaning products you use should not be hazardous or toxic. Avoid plug-in and aerosol air fresheners, as they contribute to smog. Lastly, if you have solvents or paints at home, either store them outside your living area or seal them tightly.
Schedule Indoor Air Quality Testing
Indoor air quality testing is great if you want to improve the air quality in your home but don’t know what changes could be helpful. You can buy a DIY kit online that can test for air pollutants. However, these kits are not comprehensive, and some even test just for radon.
You can also choose professional services. They are more costly than DIY kits, but experts can test the air more thoroughly and give you tips based on accurate data.
Ensure Ventilation Throughout Your Home
Ventilation is all about exchanging indoor air for relatively cleaner outdoor air. The best way to improve ventilation across your house is to open windows. Cross-ventilation dilutes indoor pollutants, particularly after high-pollution activities, like cooking, painting, and cleaning.
When you are cooking on gas, make sure to use a kitchen exhaust hood. However, if the outdoor air quality is bad, as in the case of smog, do not open the windows. Instead, rely on filtration.
Maintain Appropriate Humidity Levels
If the indoor air is too dry, it can cause itching and irritation. If the air is too humid, it becomes favorable for bacteria, dust mites, and mold. Therefore, humidity levels around 40 to 60% are ideal.
Make sure to use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when you shower or cook. If there are any leaks, fix them immediately. If the air is extremely dry, use a humidifier but keep the levels appropriate.
Maintain Your HVAC System and Air Purifiers
Maintaining and upgrading your HVAC system is one of the most high-impact actions you can take to improve your indoor air quality. Clogged filters stop working at one point; therefore, change them more frequently.
High-quality air purifiers are great as well. Use a True HEPA filter that removes around 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 in diameter. Keep the purifier on the medium setting continuously when the room is occupied.
Check Your Heating Systems
Some heating systems also impact your indoor air quality. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces emit harmful particles into the air that can cause serious diseases like lung cancer. Moreover, gas-powered heating systems can release carbon monoxide, which can lead to suffocation and even death.
Solar and electric heating systems are better and keep your indoor air much cleaner.