As a homeowner, you know it’s important to keep your home clean for many reasons. Aside from looking presentable, a clean home is crucial for the overall hygiene and health of your family. One major benefit of keeping everything clean is the major improvement in your home’s air quality. In effect, this removes your home from indoor air pollution.
Here, we will look at just three easy ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality, guaranteeing a higher quality of life and overall wellness for you, your family, and any visitors.
1. Regularly change your air filters.
The fastest way to clean-up your home’s indoor air quality is to keep a good eye on the filters for your house’s air systems. Whether you’re checking your heating system or air conditioner, both units require clean air filters in order to run efficient airflow throughout the year. Keep in mind that those filters trap all sorts of pollutants: pollen, pet dander, and other natural debris that can hinder ventilation. In addition, dust mites are just one of many allergens that can affect asthma, cause headaches or dizziness, and lead to other health effects. Remember, improving the quality of air inside your home will also immediately improve your family’s health, which is reason enough to swap out those old air filters for new ones approximately every three months. Another bonus is that, with a more efficiently-run air conditioner doing its job, the unit itself will last longer, saving you money on costly repairs and lowering your monthly energy bill.
2. Regularly clean your home.
Poor indoor air quality isn’t just a danger to your family’s health. If you’re considering selling your home at some point, or are currently preparing for an open house, healthy air quality can be a major selling point to your potential buyers.
As simple as it sounds, merely cleaning your home can be the easiest way to rid the house of debris and allergens, especially regularly vacuuming your carpets and rugs. As a matter of fact, if you’re considering any renovations before an open house, replacing your carpeting may be a great way to remove any unnoticed molds, spores, and pet dander that has gone under the radar. It’s easy to forget that your home’s carpeting inadvertently acts as a large air filter, trapping dirt fibers and dust mites. Cleaning your home, as well as vacuuming at least once a week, can go a long way towards making your air cleaner.
3. Invest in a dehumidifier and crack a window.
If your home is prone to humidity, or if asthma and other breathing issues are a concern, there’s a cost-efficient solution worth checking out: purchasing a portable dehumidifier. Keep in mind that, left unchecked, moisture conditions within your home can lead to mold, which is one of numerous natural, yet dangerous, contaminants and pollutants common within many homes in the United States. However, even a small dehumidifier or air purifier placed in the living room or bedroom can greatly lower humidity levels and freshen your home’s indoor air.
Another excellent way to increase ventilation in your home may be the simplest solution of all: crack and window and let in the fresh air! Although this isn’t a year-round solution and allergens can still sneak their way in during the allergy season, the natural ventilation of frequently allowing the outdoor air to circulate within your home can be a cost-efficient, energy-efficient, effective way to raise the quality of the air around you and your family. Inadequate ventilation and indoor pollutants can cause all sorts of health issues if left unchecked: allergic reactions, shortness of breath, and respiratory disease are all common symptoms associated with poor air quality. Luckily, there are numerous inexpensive solutions to raising the quality of your home’s air and securing the health and wellness of your family and friends.
