Although there is no doubt that outdoor air pollution is a problem, it is possible to overlook your home’s indoor air. Research indicates that indoor air pollution levels may be 100 times higher than outside levels. And this may be problematic for your household. If you breathe polluted indoor air, you risk developing pneumonia, asthma, and cancer. Fortunately, you can ensure that your home has clean air using many helpful techniques, including the following.
Installing an air purifier is one efficient technique to maintain cleaner air in your house since these filters eliminate dangerous particles from the air. However, you should note that various air purifiers have different functions. Therefore, you want to choose one best suited to your needs. For instance, some devices capture pollens, suitable for people with asthma, while others eliminate odours and smoke. Consequently, place your appliance in a convenient location, and close your doors and windows when operating it. You’ll also find it helpful to change the filters regularly, so keep this in mind.
Mould and mildew thrive in humid, wet environments and cause respiratory problems. The humid summer months can be particularly uncomfortable, depending on where you live. Placing a few dehumidifiers can lower the air’s moisture content and prevent mould growth. Fortunately, numerous humidifier alternatives are available, depending on your preference. Running a fan and opening a window when cooking or taking a shower can lessen the amount of moisture in your living space, so feel free to consider this
Identifying and eliminating pollution sources is crucial for maintaining cleaner air. For instance, radon, a radioactive natural gas, can seep through earthen cracks and accumulate in your home, increasing your risk of developing many health issues. According to the WHO, radon is the main factor contributing to lung cancer among nonsmokers. Fortunately, you can eliminate this gas by investing in positive ventilation, so feel free to consider this. Also, certain household products can be huge contributors to poor indoor air. For instance, household cleaning products and traditional paint contain toxic chemicals. Therefore, you want to invest in options with less harmful chemicals.
Carpets and rugs can be air filters, capturing dust and other contaminants in a web of threads. However, not cleaning them regularly can expose you to dust and other allergens. Therefore, consider working with professional cleaners to make your carpets and rugs as good as new. If you decide to DIY, you can leverage these helpful tips to get the desired outcome.
The kitchen is a major source of indoor air pollution. Indeed, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are two chemicals gas burners release. Even electric burners emit these similar contaminants at reduced concentrations. Therefore, you’ll find it helpful to invest in a cooking vent to transport these harmful gases outside. Ensure the vent hood is slightly larger than your cooking surface to improve efficiency. Consequently, open your kitchen windows when cooking if you don’t have a cooking vent.
Your home’s air conditioning system makes your home’s temperature comfortable. However, some air contaminants can accumulate in your AC filters, causing them to be introduced into your home. Therefore, if you are prone to allergies or live in an area with high pollution levels, clean your AC filters regularly or sign up for an air conditioning service plan, which typically includes a filter change. You also want to inspect and replace the filters in other appliances. Periodically check and maintain your kitchen vents, laundry dryer, and vacuum cleaner. These typical household filters should be cleaned or changed every few months, so keep this in mind.
Your home’s air ducts transport hot and cold air so that each room has a pleasant temperature. But poorly installed ducts can move toxins from one room to another. Moreover, your ducts may become clogged with dust, pet dander, and even mould over time, lowering the air quality in your home. If you’re experiencing this, you can consider hiring an expert to address the issue effectively.
Certain heating systems can also have a significant effect on air quality. High levels of hazardous particles from wood-burning appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces, can enter your home’s air and raise your risk of lung cancer and other chronic illnesses. Other possibly riskier solutions include gas-powered heaters and heating systems with older furnaces. Gas-powered heating systems can release more carbon monoxide, which puts people at risk of suffocation. Direct vent gas appliances, which prevent the gas from contaminating your indoor air, are advised by several specialists. Compared to other heating methods, solar and electric heating choices could maintain significantly cleaner indoor air. These hardly emit toxic chemicals, so feel free to consider them.
An easy and cost-free approach to improving the air quality in your home is to keep the air moving. One approach to achieve this is to open windows and doors to let some outside air in, provided the outdoor air is clean or pollen-free. You can also invest in a fan if you haven’t already. Placing a fan close to an open window can eliminate air pollutants by blowing air outside, so keep this in mind. Consequently, install exhaust fans in your bathroom to eliminate stagnant air.
Plants are nature’s air filters, so keep this in mind. A few indoor plants can transform your home’s indoor air quality while complementing the interior design, so keep this in mind. Your best options for eliminating toxins from the air are palm trees and small plants like lilies, so feel free to consider these.
Numerous variables can affect the air quality in your home, and they can have both short- and long-term health implications. You can improve the air quality in your home and reduce any health concerns by taking efforts to prevent and reduce certain issues and pollutants.
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