When you’re in the comfort of your home, the last thing you want to be thinking about is the quality of the air that you’re breathing. But if there are issues, then it can create very real health problems for you and your family.
So, you might find yourself in the situation of needing to improve indoor air quality, and to do that, there are a number of factors to consider. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when managing and measuring indoor air quality.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to improve air quality in your home or office. If you’re concerned about the quality of the air you’re breathing, this blog post is for you!
The importance of indoor air quality
In today’s age of digital distractions and airborne pollutants, indoor air quality should not be overlooked. From cooking at home to running a business, the air that we breathe in our living and working spaces can have a significant impact on our quality of life.
Poor air quality indoors can contribute to asthma, respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, and fatigue – just to name a few potential consequences.
Some common culprits of bad indoor air are:
- Vapors from cleaning products or paints
These vapors can be released into the air from regular cleaning tasks or painting projects and can cause irritation to those with respiratory sensitivities.
- Dust mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that feed on our dead skin cells and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Mold spores can be found almost everywhere, and if conditions are right, they can grow and release toxins into the air.
- Cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Secondhand smoke can be very dangerous for those with respiratory issues.
- Exhaust fumes entering the home
Vehicle exhaust fumes can enter the home if there is an open window or door, and these gasses can be hazardous to breathe in. When you’re looking at homes for sale, the proximity of the home to busy roads or places where people might wait with their cars running, such as take-out food joints, is an important consideration when it comes to air quality.
How to improve your indoor air quality
Keeping indoor air quality at its best is essential for maintaining a healthy home. With all the pollutants in the world today, it can be tempting to simply ignore the air inside our own homes.
However, poor air quality can cause serious health problems such as asthma, allergies, and other diseases over time. Thankfully, there are some simple steps that anyone can take to keep their indoor air as clean and healthy as possible.
Remove dust and debris from the home.
Firstly, get rid of any dust and debris on your floors by vacuuming regularly. This should be a daily chore, especially if you have children and pets trailing in dirt from the outside.
Allow air to circulate.
Secondly, open windows and doors where possible to allow fresh air to cycle through your home. But always be aware of potential pollutants from outside sources. If you do live near busy roads, you may need to time this for those parts of the day when the traffic load is lighter.
Introduce house plants
Thirdly, consider purchasing house plants that naturally help purify the air through photosynthesis; NASA recommends several types, such as spider plants or aloe vera plants, for cleaner air in the home.
Use a HEPA filter
Finally, make sure to use a high-quality HEPA filter on your HVAC system to minimize the particles floating in the air you breathe.
Measuring your indoor air quality
Achieving good air quality indoors is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment. Unfortunately, measuring air quality can be tricky since many pollutants are invisible to the naked eye, and airborne levels may vary throughout the day.
For example, indoor carbon monoxide levels can significantly increase when the oven or stove is in use. However, there are some simple strategies that can help you get a better understanding of your air quality and take steps to improve it.
Use air filters
Air filters, either portable or wall-mounted, are a great way to trap floating particles such as dust, dander, and pollen. When purchasing an air purifier, look for one that uses HEPA filters, as these offer superior performance even in large spaces.
Most air filters will let you know when the filter needs cleaning or replacing, and this, in turn, will give you an idea of how polluted the air in your home has been.
Air monitors
You can also get an inside-outside monitor that shows the difference in air quality parameters between indoors and outdoors over time – this will give you an idea of how well your home is ventilated and what outdoor conditions might be contributing to your indoor air problems.
Air quality testing kits
Finally, consider investing in an air quality testing kit to check for pollutants such as formaldehyde and chemicals that may be released from building materials or furniture fabrics.
By taking these steps, you can make sure your home’s air is fresh and clean, creating an inviting space everyone loves!
»Indoor Air Quality: How to Manage and Measure It«