We spend around 90% of our time indoors. Because of this, you can see the need to improve indoor air quality.
But sometimes people think the air inside is cleaner. Studies have actually found the air inside your home is much dirtier and more polluted than air outside, sometimes it’s 100 times more. Let’s get into some ways you can improve indoor air quality for your family.
Indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort. It has a direct link to health and wellness.
Poor indoor air can cause many issues. Problems might include everything from allergies, heart disease, and respiratory issues, and so much more.
Indoor air pollutants range widely. But we can narrow these various offenders down to some specific types.
One common indoor pollutant is radon. Radon comes up through cracks in the earth and accumulates, and if your home isn’t sealed from this, it can lead to issues like lung cancer.
Then there are also things we often bring into our homes. Things like secondhand smoke, chemicals from household products, and VOCs released by building materials are other great examples of pollutants.
The way we think about heating and cooling our homes directly plays into what ends up inside your space. An air conditioner that isn’t properly maintained can contribute to quality problems.
Your HVAC system also plays a large role in how those air pollutants are cycled throughout your house. Having an expert take a close look at things and get things aligned plays a bigger role than people often think. Ventilation systems are key to managing air quality.
Making noticeable improvements to your home’s air quality does not require excessive resources. Several of the most beneficial actions are straightforward adjustments to habits and how you do maintenance around the house.
Swap out those HVAC filters often. This will prevent dust, pollen, and other unwanted particles from recycling throughout your living spaces. Regular filter replacement can help reduce exposure to harmful particles.
This basic practice is a must. Think about making the switch to filters rated between 8 and 10 on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale.
Good airflow does amazing things, bringing in fresh outside air to prevent air stagnation and staleness. Ventilation can be increased, and things like exhaust fans and opened windows do wonders to keep that fresh flow.
Proper airflow moves potential mold-causing conditions out of the home. Opening up a few windows, when weather permits, might do a world of good that you don’t fully realize.
Consider using attic fans to improve ventilation, especially in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Local bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans with a vent control open increases outdoor ventilation rate.
Think of setting up a quality air purifier. An air purifier can do a fantastic job removing small and unwanted items in the air. Air filters capture smaller particles such as allergens and smoke.
These tools offer advantages to all in the house. Some people living with allergies or experiencing an allergic reaction can often greatly benefit, also an air cleaner can potentially improve lung function.
Manage the indoor humidity level within the sweet spot. Aim for levels between 30% and 50%.
You will make big strides towards prevent dust mites. Keeping these in check also greatly helps the chances that you will also avoid mold from growing. High levels of humidity can worsen indoor air quality problems.
| Action Item | Details | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Regular HVAC Maintenance | Change air filters and clean ducts frequently. | Gets your system to function at an optimal state. |
| High-Quality Air Filters | Install HEPA filters, change every few months. | Traps and keeps tiny pollutants away from where you live. |
| Enhanced Ventilation | Use exhaust fans. Open windows and doors. | It helps with the swapping of indoor air for outdoor air. |
| Deploying Air Purifiers | Use these devices. Keep it in the living spaces where people sleep and stay. | Works with the filters you already use. |
| Humidity Management | Maintain 30-50% humidity. Use Dehumidifiers as needed. | Greatly slows mold growth. Helps to minimize allergens and issues. |
Duct leaks invite undesirable items and contaminates in. Having properly sealed vents ensures the flow of purified, controlled airflow across spaces of your home. It stops pollutants, like those from gas stoves and wood products, before reaching the occupants inside.
Make sure any forced air heating systems are properly maintained to avoid introducing pollutants into your home. Pay attention to all heating and cooling systems to help improve the air quality.
You absolutely can. Regular maintenance can reduce indoor air pollutants.
Addressing tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, is crucial for minimizing health effects.
You might often find issues like headaches, nasal congestion, and irritation, or respiratory problems like coughing or breathing challenges. In severe cases, poor indoor air quality can contribute to lung disease.
Be aware of potential carbon monoxide sources, such as improperly vented appliances. Be proactive at increasing ventilation.
So there you have it – real and significant ways for families and individuals to make improvements to their spaces to breathe healthier, fresh air. Embracing small steps to improve indoor air quality creates a better home that also has benefits of living longer and with a higher quality of life.
Things like swapping out filters, opening windows or making sure to manage the growth of pollutants indoors pays off in unseen ways. If you focus on some key priorities shared here, and regularly invest some time into each, air quality should take a noticeable jump in quality. By improving your air quality, you can greatly enhance your families health
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