Do you want to improve indoor air quality? Here is what you need to do.
Locking yourself up in your home during the colder months sure feels warm and cozy, but there are some downsides, too, especially for people who have respiratory issues. Due to the lack of ventilation, the indoor air becomes stale and the indoor space acts as the perfect place for dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander to thrive. Furthermore, if you have dirty air ducts, the problem can become worse very quickly. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways in which you can improve indoor air quality.
So, let’s begin.
Keep Things Clean
A clean house is a healthy house, for it contains fewer dust mites and pet dander. When cleaning your indoor living space, you should focus specifically on areas where you suspect mold growth, pet dander, and dust. Here are a few things you need to do to ensure you have a clean home:
- At least once a week vacuum,clean all the carpets and rugs in your house. The vacuum cleaner should contain an HEPA filter.
- Your bedding, blankets, and pillow covers attract allergens, especially ifthere are any pets in your house. As recommended by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, these items should be washed at at least 130 Degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the covers you use on box springs and mattresses should be dust mite
- Remove as much clutter as possible for clutter locks in a considerable amount of dust, which is detrimental to the indoor quality of air.
Keep Plants Outside
Indoor plants seem pretty, but they can also result in the growth of mold. There are some plants out there that are said to improve air quality, but they can still increase the number of allergens within the living space. Hence, it is always better to keep plants outside.
Change Air Filters Regularly
The air filters in your HVAC system need to be replaced regularly, for the dirty air filters can worsen the quality of indoor air. If possible, get hold of an electrostatic air filter. These filters ensure that dust and other pollutants are stopped from circulating in your home. Also, invest in regular air duct cleaning if you want to eliminate the unhealthy contaminants within your living space.
Get an Air Purifier
In some cases, the cause behind your allergy could be your cat or your dog. If you don’t want to get rid of your pet, you can invest in an air purifier. This machine should be used in the busiest areas of your home, such as the lounge or the dining area. The purifier will not eliminate those allergens, but it will surely reduce their numbers. In damp areas, use a dehumidifier, for it gets rid of humidity, which can result in mold and mildew growth.
Let the Air In
Even during the colder months, open up your windows and doors from time to time. This will allow fresh air to enter your living space. When you open your windows, turn the fans on to get rid of the contaminants in your indoor space.
