6 Essential Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
We all want to be comfortable in our homes. But, sometimes we overlook something really important: the air we breathe. Thinking about “tips to improve indoor air quality” might not be the first thing on our minds. But, it can make a big difference in how we feel, especially since we spend about 90% of our time indoors.
That’s why it’s worth taking the time to make sure the air in our homes is clean and healthy, according to the EPA. Let’s explore some practical tips to improve indoor air quality without making things too complicated or expensive.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
You’re probably thinking, “What exactly is making my indoor air dirty?” Well, here are a few common culprits.
Sometimes, it’s things we bring into our homes, like certain cleaning supplies or building materials. These can release harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Other times, the source is outside, like pollen that sneaks in through windows.
Dust mites, pet dander, and mold are big indoor allergens too. Even activities like cooking can add to the problem if there’s not enough ventilation. Do you know that burning candles or using a wood-burning fireplace creates that cozy ambiance? However, they can also release air pollutants, which can have negative health effects.
All these things, and more, contribute to making our indoor air quality less than ideal, especially if you are prone to respiratory diseases.
Recognizing the Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality isn’t always easy to spot. But, there are signs you can watch for. Have you been getting more headaches lately or feeling more tired than usual?
These could be linked to the air you breathe. Do you notice a stuffy or musty smell in your home or feel like the air is heavy? Those are also hints that the air quality could be better.
If you have allergies, they might act up more inside your home. Plus, if anyone in your family is prone to respiratory problems, those might be worsened by poor indoor air quality. Consider purchasing an air quality test if you suspect high levels of pollutants in your home.
Simple Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality in your home might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you might think. With a few simple steps and an understanding of your space, you can drastically improve your air quality. To determine the specific indoor air pollutants present in your home, you might want to consider getting a quality test.
1.- Ventilation: The Key to Fresher Air
Think about how stale a room feels after it’s been closed up for a while. Opening windows, even for a short time, lets fresh air in and pushes stale air out.
This natural ventilation is like giving your home a breath of fresh air. Using fans, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, is super helpful too.
They help move air out and prevent moisture build-up, which is great for combating mold. However, be mindful of outdoor air quality, especially during wildfires, and choose portable air cleaners on those days.
The American Lung Association suggests selecting a HEPA air cleaner appropriate to room size. This is particularly important for young children and older adults who are more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution.
2.- Regular Cleaning: A Must for Healthier Air
Regularly dusting furniture and vacuuming carpets can really help reduce those pesky dust mites and allergens. Try washing your bedding frequently in hot water.
This takes care of dust mites that love to hide in bedding. Consider investing in portable mechanical HEPA air cleaners.
They trap tiny particles that regular vacuuming might miss. It is also advised to avoid opening windows on poor air quality days, particularly during wildfire season, opting for air cleaners instead. Just know that while HEPA filters are awesome for particles, they don’t catch those gaseous pollutants from cleaning products and materials.
3.- Smart Choices for a Healthier Home
A whole-house fan may be an excellent way to improve your indoor air quality, especially if you:
- Live in a climate with cool evenings.
- Want to save on energy bills.
- Are looking for a natural and energy-efficient cooling option.
It’s essential to ensure your home has adequate attic ventilation to support the airflow from the whole-house fan. You also need to consider what the outdoor air pollution is like in your area. Consult with a qualified HVAC professional for personalized advice on selecting and installing a whole-house fan. They will also be able to recommend other helpful house fan accessories, such as a mount adapter.
For example, if you live in a climate that has extreme temperatures year-round, then this solution might not be ideal. If you live in an area that has high outdoor air pollution, this also might not be the best solution as you will be pulling that polluted air directly into your house.
In the winter months, running the fan could make your home too cold, so it’s important to be mindful of the time indoors that you’re using your fan. However, using a fan in the summer months can significantly cool your house down and improve the air you breathe while inside your home.
4.- Plant Power: Adding a Breath of Fresh Air
Bringing nature indoors can also be beneficial for your air quality. While there’s some debate on their effectiveness compared to ventilation systems, a 2017 research review did find houseplants help reduce some indoor pollutants.
It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness of plants is less impactful than proper ventilation. Some of the most effective air-purifying plants include the Dracaena, Peace Lily, and English Ivy.
Not only do they look great, they can contribute to better air quality.
5.- Monitoring and Maintaining: Staying on Top of Your Indoor Air
Bringing nature indoors can also be beneficial for your air quality. While there’s some debate on their effectiveness compared to ventilation systems, a 2017 research review did find houseplants help reduce some indoor pollutants.
It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness of plants is less impactful than proper ventilation. Some of the most effective air-purifying plants include the Dracaena, Peace Lily, and English Ivy.
Not only do they look great, they can contribute to better air quality.
6.- Select the Ideal HVAC System for Your Needs
Did you know your HVAC system does more than control your home’s temperature? It’s true! It also plays a big part in your home’s indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about replacing your system, consider a few things that can really make a difference. You want an HVAC system that doesn’t just heat and cool, but also cleans the air.
Think about getting a system with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are like the superheroes of air cleaning. They capture those tiny, pesky particles that regular filters miss. We’re talking about dust mites, pollen, pet dander – things that can make breathing difficult, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
Conclusion
Paying attention to our indoor air quality is just as important as eating right and exercising. Making even small changes in our habits and choices, like choosing natural cleaning products and opening windows regularly, can make a huge difference. While improving your indoor air quality can be done affordably with tips like proper ventilation and houseplant usage, it is crucial to select appropriate air purifiers for optimal benefit. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a healthy and comfortable living environment for ourselves and our families. And, taking these tips to improve indoor air quality to heart can help us achieve just that.
If you would love to count on the help of HVAC professionals in Roseville, CA, who can assist you in improving your home’s indoor air quality, be sure to turn to Economy Heating & Air. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
Breathe Easy, Live Healthy
A comfortable home isn’t just about plush furniture or aesthetically pleasing decor. It’s also about creating a safe and healthy environment for all inhabitants. Prioritizing duct cleaning is integral in enhancing indoor air quality, paving the way for better health and overall well-being.
For those keen on elevating the air quality in their homes and reaping the numerous benefits of clean air ducts, don’t hesitate. Contact Economy Heating & Air to get the job done right and breathe a sigh of relief!
