It’s no secret that indoor air quality can be impacted by the things you do around your home every day, from cooking to cleaning to drying clothes on the back porch. Air quality in your home can be very different from the air outside your home. This difference can greatly affect your family’s health, and it may even impact their ability to get good sleep at night, which can also affect health. It is common knowledge that indoor air can be several times more polluted than outdoor air.
The most dangerous pollutants are airborne particulates (dust, dirt, pollen, mold) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. While you may not have full control over external pollutants such as pollen count or road traffic emissions, you can take some steps to protect your family from harmful elements inside your home.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your home has plenty of quality air and your family is breathing it in every single day.
Make Sure to Have Up-to-Date Air Filters
One of the best ways to make sure your family is breathing quality air in your home is by having up-to-date air filters. Having old or clogged filters can allow pollutants and contaminants into your house from outside that can cause a wide range of health issues like asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems. Talk with your HVAC technician about when it’s time for new filters or if you need to replace them. Even if you don’t have an HVAC tech nearby, you should try to replace them about every three months on average.
Install Exhaust Fans Near High-Traffic Areas
Exhaust fans help remove excess moisture and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a home, which can help reduce indoor air pollution. Look for exhaust fans that are rated for high-traffic areas, such as laundry rooms or bathrooms. VOCs produce odors and can lead to health problems if they’re not controlled. By installing an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter near these high-traffic areas, you can help keep your family breathing clean air.
Put An Indoor Air Purifier Kit for Each Room
Every room needs a purifier, whether it’s for your bedroom, bathroom, or living room. You can even go as far as getting a pack of three and putting one in each different room of your house if you’re concerned about indoor air quality. The reason why you should have an air purifier in every room of your home is that it can eliminate up to 99% of airborne pollutants, killing off germs and dust mites while offering a fresh-smelling breath of fresh air.
Clean Your Dust Regularly
An accumulation of dust can be detrimental to your health. The microscopic particles floating around in your house can cause various respiratory problems, headaches, and allergies. You don’t have to clean every inch of your home daily, but remember that any surface can collect dust if it’s not dusted regularly. Cleaning weekly is usually adequate for most homes; cleaning monthly or quarterly may be necessary for heavily trafficked areas.
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Do Home Testing
Oftentimes, indoor air quality can be compromised because of home construction. Check for high levels of radon gas and mold in your home. Mold testing services can be a good idea if you’re concerned about leaks or have reason to believe that they may be present. It can also help determine whether an allergic reaction is occurring as a result of excess moisture or mildew. Remember to ask professionals for help and do the test for you.
Invest in Home Essential Oils
In addition to humidifiers, it’s a good idea to purchase some essential oils for your home. The ones that are considered safest and best at filtering out air pollutants include lavender, eucalyptus, orange, peppermint, and rosemary. A great trick is combining several of these in a diffuser when you start getting sick or noticing symptoms. They also make them into sprays you can use directly on surfaces like bed sheets and pillows; just avoid breathing them in.
Keep An Eye on Your Furry Pets
Allergens from pet dander, animal hair, and waste products can carry through your home and settle into carpets, rugs, and floors. As you vacuum, dust mop or sweep your home, make sure to do so more frequently in these high-traffic areas. Pay extra attention when cleaning around favorite furry family members—your cat’s litter box or dog’s bedding—since their allergens are likely to be more concentrated there. And remember to change your pets’ beds at least once a week with fresh blankets. Regularly vacuuming hard surfaces such as wood, tile, and linoleum will also help remove surface contaminants before they have a chance to penetrate deep into carpets, linens, and upholstery.
When it comes to protecting your family’s health, quality air is essential. The next time you step into a room full of stale, stuffy air, or notice that your home is somewhat polluted, remember these tips so you can get back to taking care of yourself and those around you as quickly as possible.
