How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

We spend 90% of our time indoors, and our indoor air quality can dramatically affect our health. Indoor air pollutants can be spread by HVAC systems, radon gas, building materials, cleaning products and smoking.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common pollutants that come from new carpeting or paint, cleaning products, office equipment (such as copiers), furniture or carpets made with synthetic materials and some building materials. In the air, VOCs can form a variety of harmful gases, including formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Here are indoor air quality tips to consider.

Remove Air Pollutants

Ensure your cooling and heating system is working appropriately. This involves regular maintenance, as well as changing filters regularly. Ventilate frequently to bring fresh air inside.

Get Houseplants

It’s not just the aesthetic value of plants that make them a smart investment; they also help neutralize air pollutants and reduce the amount of dust in your home. Plants can also prevent allergies, so adding houseplants to your home could be a great solution if you have trouble breathing or experience a runny nose. A study by the University of California found that people who had indoor plants were less likely to suffer from asthma attacks, while those who didn’t have plants were more likely to suffer from them.

Maintain Your Dehumidifier

Depending on the size of your home, a low-cost dehumidifier can help you reduce humidity levels in your environment so that you don’t end up with mold or mildew growth. If you have other breathing problems or asthma, mainly triggered by dust or pollen, clean the unit and regularly keep it clean.

Clean Your Floor Coverings

If you choose to go with carpeting or a hardwood floor, you should regularly vacuum your floors. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove debris from your hardwood floors. You should also dust your furniture regularly and clean and dust the vents in your home and behind your curtains and drapes.

Keep Windows Open

Keep windows open whenever possible to reduce the amount of dust that enters your home. You could also use an air purifier to remove dust particles from the air inside, which will help keep allergen levels down if you have asthma or allergies. Additionally, since most homes are constructed with doors and windows sealed shut during the winter months, keeping them open will allow fresh air to circulate. This will help keep humidity levels low in your home all year long.

Indoor Air Quality Improvement

Even if you do not have a lot of money to invest in improving your indoor air quality, there are some things you can do:

• Keep your windows open. Open windows bring in fresh air from outside and help improve the quality of the air inside.
• Consider adding an air purifier to help remove pollutants from indoor air. An air purifier may be beneficial if you have allergies or asthma or if someone in your family smokes cigarettes or uses other tobacco products indoors.
• Choose natural cleaning products or make yours by combining ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda with water in a spray bottle.
• These products are cheap, easy to use and effective at removing dirt and odors while leaving a pleasant scent.

 For good air conditioning services, contact JMB A/C & Heating LLC.

Categorised in: Indoor Air Quality