Whether you work at your home or are there for only a handful of hours outside of sleeping, indoor air quality matters. Many people are concerned about outdoor pollutants like smoke and industrial pollution and don’t know that indoor contaminants may impact health even more profoundly. Here’s how to improve the air quality inside of your house.
Change Your HVAC Filter for Better Air Quality
Your HVAC filter helps remove hair, dander, dust, and other debris from the air in your home as it passes through your heater or air conditioning unit. When filters are clogged, your system has to work harder to maintain a set temperature, and your indoor air quality also suffers. Change your HVAC air filter at least once a quarter to reduce indoor allergens. If you have pets, use your heater heavily, or have allergies, change the filter once a month.
Maintain Appropriate Humidity Levels
Humidity impacts your home’s wood and other building materials and affects your indoor air quality. High humidity levels, especially for a prolonged period, will create conditions where mildew and mold flourish and air quality suffers. Air that is too dry can irritate your sinuses and increase your allergy symptoms. Measure your humidity regularly and use humidifiers and dehumidifiers to keep your home comfortable.
Use Vents and Fans for Better Air Quality
Many homes have built-in features designed to improve indoor air quality, and two of the most useful ones are vents and fans. Are you using your bathroom fan every time you take a shower? Do you turn on the kitchen fan to ventilate whenever you are cooking, or only when something is burning? Ensure that everyone in your house uses fans and vents to keep excess moisture and odors out of your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to keep your home as clean as possible. Dust will settle on surfaces in your home in only a few days, so developing regular cleaning habits is an effective way to keep indoor allergens outside of your living space. Invest in a good vacuum to clean all your rugs and carpets at least twice a week and hard surfaces like wood flooring.
Use Plants to Add Greenery and Improve Indoor Air Quality
Houseplants will add a pop of color to your home and make it feel more cozy and welcoming. Additionally, they will help filter contaminants out of the air so you can breathe easier. When you go shopping for plants to keep your air clean and fresh, consider these options:
- Boston ferns
- Palm trees
- Aloe vera
- Weeping fig
- Peace lilies
- Snake plants
- Bamboo palms
- English ivy
- Spider plants
D.N.D. Home Inspections provides home inspections for home buyers and sellers in Riverside and San Diego counties in California. Contact us to schedule our services.