Air quality is more of a concern than ever after a year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies. Here are 7 ways to improve indoor air quality in your home.
Ventilation to Improve Indoor Air Quality
One of the main reasons for poor indoor air quality is a lack of ventilation. Luckily, there is a simple fix. Open the windows to get a cross-breeze for a few minutes every day.
Doing this allows contaminants to escape to the outdoors and lets fresh air inside. Also, turn on ventilation fans if you have them in the bathroom and kitchen. Moisture from showering and smoke and oil particles from cooking will be ventilated outside.
Dusting
Dust is one of the most common indoor air pollutants. It floats in the air and settles on surfaces. Too much dust in the home can even harbor dust mites. Keep up with a regular dusting schedule to improve indoor air quality. Use a damp microfiber cloth instead of a feather duster to effectively remove dust.
Cleaning Floors
Dirt on the floors also affects air quality. As people walk through the home, particulates get kicked up from the floor into the air. Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping will help keep debris from building up on the floor and getting into the air. Place doormats by the exterior doors to help remind people to wipe their feet when coming inside.
Wiping Air Vent Covers
The air vents for the heating and cooling system have covers that are often neglected. Once a month, give your vent covers a good cleaning. Remove the covers from the vent and soak them in a bathtub of soapy water to loosen up the grime so that it’s easier to scrub off. Dry the covers thoroughly before reattaching them to the vents.
Change Filters to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Other parts of the HVAC system also affect indoor air quality, like the filter. The filter removes debris from the air before sending it through the home, but if it gets too clogged with dirt, it can actually worsen air quality. The filter typically needs to be changed every 1-3 months, depending on the unit and manufacturer.
Air Purifier
Air purifying devices are effective tools for people who are serious about clean indoor air. Invest in one equipped with a HEPA filter to remove the smallest particulates. These devices are especially useful for people who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems.
Monitor Humidity to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The ideal indoor humidity for your living space is 30-50%. If yours is higher and lower than this range, use a humidifier or a dehumidifier. Too much humidity causes mold to grow and if it is too low, your home will feel uncomfortable.
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