If you’re trying to create a healthier home environment, improving your indoor air quality is vital. While we often think of outdoor air pollution when discussing air quality, the reality is that what we breathe inside our homes can be more dangerous than outdoor air. From dust mites and pet dander to chemical fumes from cleaning products or paint, contaminants in our homes can cause numerous health issues over time, including asthma attacks, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty breathing. To improve your indoor plight, here are some ways to keep the air you breathe cleaner and healthier for your family’s well-being.
1. Take Care of Your HVAC System
The first step to improving indoor air quality is ensuring the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is working correctly. Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and clean your furnace, its ducts, and other components once a year. The air ducts in your home collect dirt, dust, and debris over time. Having a professional air duct cleaning service will help get rid of all the contaminants that have been collected in your air ducts. The technician should also evaluate your HVAC system for leaks or other potential issues.
2. Invest in Houseplants
Houseplants are a natural way to improve indoor air quality and add a decorative touch to your home. Plants help filter out pollutants from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene, which can accumulate in the home through the regular use of cleaning products and other household items.
When choosing plants for your home, look for varieties known to be good air purifiers, such as spider plants, bamboo palms, and peace lilies. Keep your plants in good health with regular watering and pruning. The more plants you have, the better your air quality will be. Houseplants can also help absorb some of the toxins in secondhand smoke and vapor if you vape or smoke. The more plants you have, the better your air quality will be.
3. Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
If possible, switch to non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning products for your home. Many typical chemical-based cleaners in the store contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm indoor air quality. Look for natural, plant-based cleaners that don’t contain VOCs and won’t release toxic fumes into the air. You can easily make your homemade cleaning products with baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils to reduce your exposure to chemical pollutants in the home.
4. Ventilate Your Home
Poor ventilation is another common issue that can lead to unhealthy air quality in the home. Ensure your bathrooms, kitchen, and other areas are well-ventilated, with windows that can be opened to let fresh air in. You should also use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove any excess moisture from the air that could cause mold and mildew growth.
Proper ventilation helps improve your mental health as well. The presence of fresh air in the home can help reduce stress and boost your mood. It also helps reduce the buildup of indoor pollutants that can be a significant source of health problems.
5. Get Rid of Excess Moisture
Excess moisture in your home can lead to mold growth and other issues impacting indoor air quality. Check for any signs of water leaks or dampness, especially in the basement, attic, or around windows and doors. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and laundry can also cause moisture. To reduce moisture in the air, run an exhaust fan after using the stove or taking a hot shower. You should also use a dehumidifier to help control humidity levels in your home throughout the year.
There are many ways to improve indoor air quality and keep your family safe from unhealthy pollutants. From investing in houseplants to maintaining proper ventilation, these tips can help protect the air you breathe and ensure a healthier, more comfortable home.
