Clean indoor air is essential for creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. Common pollutants, such as mold, pet dander, pollen, and VOCs, affect the health of your family members. With the enclosed, well-sealed nature of modern house designs, here are six practical ways to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home for you and your family.
Tips to Improve Air Quality Indoors
Regular Ventilation
Allowing fresh air to circulate within your home is fundamental. When the weather is pleasant, open windows to boost airflow indoors and cycle stale air and contaminants out of the house. If you’re unable to open the windows, run ceiling fans and invest in a high-quality air purifier to ensure good circulation throughout the living spaces.
Follow a Housecleaning Routine
Dust, pet dander, and allergens accumulate over time. Implement a consistent cleaning schedule to minimize these contaminants. Vacuum the rugs and carpets, dust furniture, and change bedding regularly to reduce irritants. Always clean spills immediately; moisture contributes to mold growth, affecting indoor air quality.
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Humidity Control
Maintain balanced humidity levels within your home. A dehumidifier dries damp areas and helps prevent mold growth, while a humidifier alleviates dry air in the winter months, contributing to improved air quality. Control bathroom humidity by running the ventilation fan when bathing or showering. The fan will pull humid air out of the home, slowing mold development.
Boost Air Quality Naturally
Use indoor plants as natural air purifiers. Spider plants, aloe vera, and peace lilies are known to absorb toxins and improve air quality. The presence of houseplants enhances aesthetics, reduces stress, and contributes to a healthier environment.
Quality Filters Improve Indoor Air Quality
Air filters enhance indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles and allergens. Within a home’s HVAC system, these filters are the first defense against dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants circulating through the air. By regularly changing or cleaning the filters, homeowners reduce the number of pollutants in the air, ultimately improving air quality.
High-efficiency filters, such as HEPA filters, effectively capture tiny particles, providing cleaner air and a healthier environment. Invest in quality air filters for your HVAC system to mitigate allergens for better air quality throughout the living spaces.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Minimize harsh chemical-based cleaning agents and sprays, introducing VOCs into your home. Instead of commercial cleaning solutions, opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives that are safer for your family and the environment.
By adopting these measures, you enhance the air quality within your home. The above steps are small changes that make a big difference in creating a healthier indoor environment for your family.
Jamie Schaefer, Professional Home Inspector, offers inspection services to The Villages, Florida, and the surrounding cities and towns in Central Florida and the New York Metropolitan Area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.