The quality of indoor air is important for overall good health. Most of us spend a good portion of our lives indoors. Chemical, gas and other pollutants can irritate our eyes, cause headaches, allergies and fatigue. Some pollutants can also cause certain types of cancers and aggravate our lungs. Below, we’ve provided a few tips on how to improve the air quality of your home.
Use a Dehumidifier
To ensure that your indoor air remains clean, there are several tips that may help such as using a dehumidifier. Warm summer months often produce pests and allergens. Some allergies are triggered by dust mites; dust mites thrive in humidity.
Research shows that most dust mites are killed off when humidity levels are lowered. A dehumidifier can keep dust mites under control and prevent mold from growing.
Change the Air Filter
One easy step that will also help is to change your air filter every month. Sounds simple but it works. Your air filter is an effective tool that protects your home from indoor air pollutants and allergens. In addition, proper ventilation in your home can maintain optimal air quality. Check the vent fans in your bathroom and kitchen areas to ensure that they are working at optimal levels.
UV Lighting
UV lighting is another way to improve the air quality of your home. Give consideration to installing UV lighting to the interior ductwork. It not only reduces allergen in your home during the summer and all year round, it also helps to kill off mold and bacteria that grows in an environment that is cool and dark.
Invest in a Good HVAC Company
An HVAC company is another way to keep the air quality of your home at healthy levels. They can improve the quality of air in your home with UV lighting, coil and pan cleaning and air filter replacement, as well as with semi-annual visits.
Keep the Floor Clean
One other way to keep the air quality good in your home is to keep your floor fresh. Household dust accumulates quickly; however, by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter you can reduce accumulations of lead in your home. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter can also get rid of other toxins like pollen and dust mites.
Keep in mind; those lemon or pine scented sprays that we use to clean the kitchen and bathroom smell nice but they are spraying chemicals into the air. Examples of these products are fabric softeners, laundry detergents, dryer sheets and air fresheners. Chemicals in these products have been known to cause a variety of health concerns in humans when they are inhaled.
Buy Fragrance-Free or Naturally -Scented Products
To combat this air quality concern, buy fragrance-free or naturally-scented laundry products and stop using aerosol sprays like hair sprays, deodorants, carpet cleaner and air fresheners.
There are a variety of benefits in having healthy indoor air. The number one benefit is being able to breathe better. In addition, good indoor air promotes better sleeping and may protect against sleep-related breathing conditions like sleep apnea.
An improvement in indoor air quality also puts less strain on your home’s heating and air conditioning. When your units are working properly, they won’t have to work hard to cool or heat your home. That means less energy is used and your systems will last longer.
To conclude, quality indoor air is important for good health. Follow the above tips and breathe easy and breathe well!
