5 Easy Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Winter time can make us a little stir crazy. The fact of the matter is that we spend more time indoors during the winter months. It can be chilly out, it gets dark earlier, and it’s not as green outside. When we spend more time indoors, we don’t get as much access to that sweet, fresh outdoor air. When we’re stuck indoors, it’s important to ensure that the air we’re breathing inside is clean and know how to improve indoor air quality.
Here are five easy ways to improve air quality in your home:
Cleaning Regularly Can Help with Indoor Air Quality
Life happens and things get messy. We track dirt inside, we use candles and scented sprays, we cook, we cough and sneeze, shed skin cells…all the things. Yep. You know what you have to do. Regular cleaning is necessary in order to cut down on contaminants within your home. Sweep and vacuum your floors. Dust your surfaces. Mop regularly. Wipe down counters and surfaces with disinfectant. Clean your couch and pillows. Wash your sheets often. Make sure window treatments aren’t collecting dust. Dirt, dander and other such pollutants are a large source of air contamination.
Invest In Plants to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Air purifying machines are popular in homes now, but plants naturally have a similar effect on your environment. And they can do something that machines can’t: they create oxygen. Remember photosynthesis? Plants absorb pollutants and generate clean air for us. So from an interior design point of view, plants are always on-trend.
Circulate Air
Keep the air moving—free-flowing air prevents many problems. For one, it dissipates odors and fumes, reducing their harmful effects. Additionally, it stops particles and mold from accumulating and helps regulate temperature. To maintain healthy airflow, use your bathroom and ceiling fans year-round, run your air conditioning during warmer months, and always use stove vents when cooking.
Check Air Ducts
If you change your air conditioning filter every month as recommended, you’ll notice how quickly dirt and particles accumulate. However, it’s easy to overlook that your air ducts might also be collecting dust, dander, and mold, distributing them throughout your home. As a result, your system may need cleaning or repairs to maintain good air quality and efficiency.
Control Humidity
Mold is one of the greatest dangers to your indoor air. All it takes is a wet, damp, or humid area in your home for mold to begin breeding and releasing toxic spores into the air. Inhaling mold can trigger asthma-like symptoms—or even more severe health issues. To protect your home, use dehumidifiers and stay vigilant for leaks or other problems that might allow excess moisture indoors.
These are easy ways to improve air quality in your home. However, if you’re concerned there may be a problem, consider investing in an air monitor or home-testing kit. In the event you detect mold in your environment, it’s recommended to call a remediation specialist who can identify any harmful species.
