To keep your home healthy and safe, it’s important to have clean air to breathe. We often think of air pollution as a problem in big cities, but our homes are often contaminated with mold, dust, VOCs, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants. Here are a few ways you can work to improve indoor air quality at home.
Houseplants Help Improve Indoor Air Quality
A study by NASA found that there are several varieties of houseplants that help to clean the air. Some of the plants you might choose for your home include Boston fern, pothos, spider plant, and peace lily. With any houseplants, take care not to overwater them. Too much moisture contributes to mold growth in the soil and allergy-like symptoms for you or your family members.
Air Purifier
Using an air purifier is an easy way to help improve the air quality in your home. Choose an appliance that uses a HEPA filter for the best results. Air purifiers are normally sold by the square footage of the space they can treat. Depending on the size of your home and the rooms, you may need to buy multiple devices.
Regular House Cleaning
One of the best ways to improve air quality in your home is by keeping your living spaces clean. Dust and vacuum at least twice weekly. Pollutants get trapped in rugs and carpets and vacuuming helps to remove them. Use non-toxic cleaning products, especially if you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma.
Groom Your Pets to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Brushing your pets will help keep pet fur and dander under control and improve indoor air quality. Grooming is a great way to bond with your animal because the process relaxes you both. By trapping the hair before your animal sheds, you’ll also keep your home cleaner.
Create a Place for Smokers Outdoors
If anyone in your family smokes, designate a place for them to smoke outside of the home. Cigarette smoking inside causes poor air quality and health problems for anyone in the home. Encourage smokers to go outdoors and make sure they’re well away from windows and doors.
Change the HVAC Filter
Your home’s heating and cooling system has a filter that traps airborne contaminants and keeps them from circulating through your home. Change the filter every 30 – 90 days or as recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system. Keeping the filter clean improves indoor air quality and helps you to cool and heat your home more efficiently.
Danny Inspections provides home inspection services to customers in the Chicago area. Contact us to request an appointment.