Even if you or your loved ones spend less time at home, the quality of the air you breathe directly impacts your overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the factors affecting indoor air quality and provide practical strategies to enhance the air quality in your precious home.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality

Before delving into how to boost your home’s air quality, let’s discuss the importance of a clean and healthy indoor living environment. Contrary to what others may assume, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.

  • According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the concentrations of certain pollutants are twice to five times higher indoors than outdoors. Some common indoor pollutants are carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, radon, particulate matter, biological pollutants, asbestos, pesticides, lead, nitrogen dioxide, and tobacco smoke.
  • The elderly, children, and individuals with comorbidities are more vulnerable to health hazards caused by poor air quality. Some of these long-term hazards include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, neurological problems, and respiratory issues. While fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath are some short-term consequences of household air pollution.

After tackling the basics and significance of a healthy home air environment, let’s move on to how you can optimize your home’s indoor air:

Clean Your Home Regularly

Since most sources of household air pollution are not visible to the naked eye, cleaning your home is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Some essential cleaning tasks include cleaning your ducts, vacuuming your floors regularly, addressing mold issues, dusting frequently, and laundering your beddings.

Take the time to clean every corner of your home, especially those that are often not prioritized, such as the area under the bed, walls, and window sills. To prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed, develop a cleaning schedule and system. Include your family by assigning them with cleaning duties.

When cleaning, avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals, as these can linger inside your home. Opt for natural cleaning solutions since they are produced with plant-based ingredients, reducing synthetic chemicals.

Maintain Your HVAC Systems

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is integral to enhancing indoor air quality. Be sure to change your filters as recommended to ensure optimal performance. Schedule professional maintenance checks to help identify potential issues with your unit that can become worrisome when left unaddressed.

If you live in Waukesha and the surrounding areas in Wisconsin, search for reputable contractors that provide Waukesha furnace repair and other HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

Let Fresh Air Enter

If you live in a place with relatively good weather and manageable outdoor air pollution, make it a habit to open your windows and doors whenever possible. Doing so allows fresh air into your home and helps reduce household indoor air pollutants.

Natural ventilation ensures that stale air, often filled with moisture and pollutants, is replaced with cleaner air. It also helps control or lessen moisture inside your home, which can cause mildew and mold growth if left untreated.

When opening your windows and doors, make sure that there is minimal outdoor pollution, especially if you live in an urban area. Open them for short periods, even during the cold season, as fresh air not only enhances indoor air quality but can also boost mood and reduce stress levels.

Bring in the Greenery

Incorporating indoor plants can help boost air quality, as many plants can absorb pollutants and release clean oxygen. Choose low-maintenance and healthy-variety plants that can thrive indoors. If you have a large space, consider the number of plants needed to make an impact on your indoor air quality.

Some effective plant options include snake plants, spider plants, aloe veras, peace lilies, English Ivy, bamboo palms, rubber plants, dracaenas, golden pothos, and Boston ferns. Place them strategically around the house, and be mindful of the amount of natural light they receive. Provide them with regular care to ensure effective indoor air purification.

Invest in a Quality Air Purifier

An efficient air purifier can significantly reduce indoor pollutants and improve your home’s overall air quality. When choosing an air purifier, make sure they have a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This type of air purifier can effectively remove various airborne particles such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold spores.

Avoid Smoking and Burning Items Indoors

Tobacco or cigarette smoke is a significant contributor to air pollution. If you’re unable to stop smoking altogether, make sure you keep your indoors smoke-free. In addition, refrain from burning anything inside, as this releases harmful particulate matter and combustion byproducts.

Endnote

Improving your home’s indoor air quality doesn’t need to be complicated, stressful, or expensive. By taking these steps and seeking expert help when necessary, you can effectively create a healthier indoor air environment for yourself and your loved ones.