Shabby Chic Boho Your home should be a space of freshness and vitality, yet its air can often contain more pollutants than outside air. From dust mites and pet dander to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mold spores, indoor air contaminants can silently impact your health and also the comfort levels in ways you might not even realize. Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t require rocket science, just some planning and dedication.
Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
One step you can take towards improving the indoor air quality is scheduling professional duct cleaning. Dust, allergens and mold can build up in your HVAC system’s ductwork over time, decreasing its efficiency while spreading contaminants into your home. A thorough cleaning removes these pollutants so cleaner air circulates throughout your home. They can also check for leaks or blockages so your system operates optimally. Schedule this once every few years for better indoor air quality, especially if you live in areas with high levels of dust or pollen.
Quality Air Purifier
Air purifiers are like superheroes, saving the day with their ability to capture 99.97% of airborne particles like allergens, smoke and bacteria from entering our environments. Portable units offer targeted solutions while whole house units provide comprehensive protection.
Green Your Space with Houseplants
Houseplants add more than style to any interior, they act as natural air filters too. Spider plants, peace lilies and Boston ferns have all been shown to reduce air toxins. Though their effects might not replace a full ventilation system completely, houseplants still provide a relaxing aesthetic and purifying effects that supplement other efforts.
Improve Ventilation
Stale air can quickly wear away in your indoor environment. Proper ventilation can restore a fresh flow of air by bringing in outdoor breeze and flushing out indoor pollutants. Crack open windows for cross-ventilation or install exhaust fans in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms to reduce cooking fumes, or moisture accumulation. Energy efficient HVAC systems can also help with the airflow while saving you on utility costs.
Control Humidity Levels
Too much humidity in the air can provide ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, which thrive in humid environments. Dehumidifiers are a great way of controlling excess humidity, particularly in basements or bathrooms. Aim to maintain the humidity levels between 30%-50% within your home. Adding desiccants such as silica gel can also help alleviate dampness issues more quickly.
Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
It can be frustrating to think that cleaning up your home can also add chemicals into the air (ironic, right), but conventional cleaners release VOCs into the atmosphere long after you finish scrubbing the surfaces clean. When you switch to eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives you’re protecting your surfaces and indoor air from harsh chemicals. So opt for products made from simple natural ingredients or create homemade solutions to stay on the safe side.
Conclusion
Improving the air quality in your home goes far beyond just making it more comfortable. It is also about creating an environment conducive to healthy living. From dust control and ventilation systems, houseplants, and purification devices, every effort counts when it comes to clearing the air. When you change up your daily habits and use some simple tools you can turn it into a more breathable space. Quality air is priceless after all.
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash
