The air quality inside one’s home can significantly affect their living experience, with both positive and negative outcomes. Good indoor air quality translates into better sleep and overall well-being and results in lower utility bills. On the other hand, poor air quality can be a reason for discomfort and wellness issues that may worsen with time. To prevent the negative consequences, one must take the necessary steps to improve the air quality inside the home.
1) Install Air Quality Sensor
While weather apps are one way for people to check the air quality outdoors, they have limitations when it comes to assessing the indoor air quality. Since indoor air quality can vastly vary from outdoors, it is advised to go for alternatives such as air quality sensors. Indoor air quality sensors are typically affordable and can warn users of sudden air quality changes inside the home. It helps homeowners stay updated about unexpected rises in pollution levels and enables them to take preventive measures.
2) Introduce Fresh Air
Maintaining indoor air quality does not need to be a complicated process. It can be achieved by something as simple as letting some fresh air in by opening the windows. That said, it might not always be a practical option as many factors come into play, including humidity, weather, and pollution outdoors. Homeowners must first assess their situation and decide which window to leave open and for how long.
3) Update the Thermostat
These temperature-regulating systems are a great way of maintaining indoor air quality. They can also push around air when the air conditioner or heater is not in use, provided they have a circulation mode. The thermostat can be set to run the indoor fan for a few minutes every hour to circulate the air. Alternatively, users can adjust the settings and run the fan at all times. They can even adjust the fan speed. With smart thermostats making their way into homes, it is easier to control the temperature and the air circulation system. Smartphones can be used to turn on the fan, adjust the speed and temperature, and edit other settings remotely, even before one reaches home.
4) Remove Obvious Air Pollutants
Given that people spend a significant amount of time indoors, it is important to maintain good air quality, be it inside their homes, offices, or public spaces, to ensure their overall well-being. Eliminating obvious pollutants plays a key role in ensuring this. Look for factors that could deteriorate the air inside one’s home and take measures to minimize the impact. Things like paint and cleaning supplies that contain chemicals must be moved to the garage or away from the frequently used spaces in the house.
5) Maintain the Dehumidifier
While some level of humidity is beneficial for indoor air, excess humidity can lead to negative impacts. This might lead to the growth of airborne pollutants like dust mites and mold. To avoid this, it is advisable to maintain 30 to 50 percent humidity indoors. When the weather is too humid, make sure the dehumidifier is running at all times.
6) Run Exhaust Fans
While an exhaust fan can be annoying to some, given the noise it generates, it is a low-cost and efficient strategy to maintain clean air indoors. It rids the space of humid air and odor and replaces it with fresh air. However, if running it continuously is not an option, try running it for longer when working in the kitchen or after a shower in the bathroom.
7) Buy a Quality Air Filter
Generally, high-quality air filters are better at capturing particles that could be degrading the air quality inside the home. That said, when the filter also captures smaller particles, it will likely clog sooner, which means more frequent and quicker filter replacements. One can also look at options where the filter can be cleaned and reused for a certain period of time before requiring replacement. Read the air filter manual properly to determine the ideal time to replace the filters. Typically, 30 days is the recommended period of replacement. It keeps the indoor air quality at optimum levels for the residents’ well-being. Look for air filters that can trap finer particles and have components that prevent the toxins in the air from entering indoors.
8) Clean the Air Ducts
The condition of the air ducts in the property will greatly impact the quality of air indoors. If there is visible dust buildup on the furniture in the house, it is a clear sign that the ducts need cleaning. The presence of dirt, dust, or dander on the air vents also indicates that the indoor air could be affected. This could potentially affect the well-being of the occupants. So, it is best to hire professionals to clean the air ducts as the process often calls for the use of several specialized equipment and some complicated tasks. Make sure to rid all the grilles, pieces of furniture, and carpets of any dust and dander that might have made space for itself.
