Last modified on September 21st, 2023 at 7:45 pm

5 Tips To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

When people hear ‘air pollution,’ they often think of something outside the house–the thick, black smoke from industrial manufacturing plants or an old car’s exhaust pipe. However, you’ll be surprised to know that the air inside your home is actually more polluted than outside. 

Even if your home appears clean and healthy, numerous toxins, contaminants, and microbes are floating around in the air, which can cause or worsen health issues. As such, knowing how to improve your home’s air quality is essential. This article shares five tips for clearing the air so your family can breathe easier. 

Invest In A Dehumidifier

Too much moisture in the air is never a good thing. For one, biological contaminants such as dust mites and mold thrive in humid environments. Also, high humidity can cause volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to leach into the air. Also, damp conditions can increase respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, and asthma attack. 

As such, it’s crucial to maintain an optimal humidity level, particularly in problematic areas such as the basement. The best way to control humidity is to invest in a dehumidifier. You can also install a specialty basement dehumidifier system to support and reduce your HVAC workload. 

Check for leaked pipes or roofs and potential water damage that can increase moisture in your home. Keep areas that produce a lot of steam, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, well-ventilated by opening a window or installing exhaust fans.

Get An Air Purifier

Aside from a dehumidifier, consider investing in an air purifier. This is one of the most effective ways to clean indoor air. The best air purifier has high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters and other filters to remove and trap harmful particles from the air. 

Depending on the type of air purifier you choose, you can reduce smoke, VOCs, allergens, carbon dioxide, and mold spores in the air. Please note that some air purifiers also have a dehumidifying function, allowing you to enjoy two essential tasks in a single unit.

Change Air Filters

Your HVAC system features air filters that collect dust, debris, dirt, and other contaminants in the air. Since they can accumulate a lot of pollutants in the atmosphere, they need to be replaced or cleaned regularly. 

A clogged or dirty air filter can re-circulate dust and other pollutants collected throughout your home, contributing to poor air quality while reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system. So, check your air filters every three months or earlier.

Please note that some filters are disposable and require replacement, whiles others can be cleaned and reused. Check your HVAC manual to determine what to do with dirty air filters. 

Clean Regularly

Obviously, regular cleaning helps cut down on dust and dander, thereby improving indoor air quality. So, stay on top of household cleaning.

Vacuum area rugs and carpets at least once or twice a week. This helps remove dust and dirt that have settled within carpet fibers, reducing allergens in the air. Do the same with your sofa and other furniture. Make sure to replace bedding, curtains, and other draperies that tend to attract allergens. 

Frequent dusting helps remove settled dirt on surfaces. Just make sure to open windows to ensure that dust particles are removed instead of re-circulating around your home while allowing fresh air in. After vacuuming, mop the floor to pick up dust that vacuuming might have left behind. 

Add Plants

Plants are trending home decor that adds color and aesthetics to any living space. But besides adding a welcoming and natural look to your home, plants also act as natural air purifiers. Numerous studies have shown that various houseplants can help reduce indoor pollutants, including fine particles and VOCs. 

For instance, spider plants and Boston Ivy are known for absorbing toxins such as carbon dioxide while releasing clean, healthy air into your home. In other words, they help eliminate stale air and improve relative humidity. Meanwhile, dracaena and weeping fig plants are great at removing harmful pollutants in the air, including formaldehyde and benzene, ensuring safe, clean air. 

Aside from improving air quality, adding indoor plants also has many health benefits. Most plants help in reducing stress, boosting productivity, and improving focus. 

Takeaway 

Between house dust and volatile chemicals from conventional cleaners or new wall paint, it can be alarming to know that your home’s indoor air quality may harm your health and your family’s. However, following the tips above, you can quickly improve your home’s indoor air quality and minimize any associated health risks while enhancing overall comfort.