Three Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Naturally

While outdoor pollution always seems to be on the forefront of all of our minds, many people don’t stop to consider the quality of the air indoors and inside their own home. It is a little known fact that indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air quality. Additionally, the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental concerns that we face on a daily basis and that up to 50% of illnesses are caused or made worse by inadequate indoor air quality. When you stop to think about these statistics, it is concerning that we spend most of our time in our homes being exposed to these pollutants. This article will discuss some simple ways to improve your indoor air quality in your home naturally so that you and your family can remain safe and healthy.

Ventilation

One way to improve your home’s indoor air quality naturally is to insure the home is properly ventilated. While you can’t always avoid pollutants that are in the air, like those pollutants that come from your HVAC system, refrigerator, washer/dryer, or any other large home appliance, most of these appliances have a venting system that works to absorb most of those pollutants. However, these ventilation systems are not perfect. After some time, the vents can produce more pollutants than it is able to prevent from seeping through, therefore creating a breeding ground for pollutants, mold, and bacteria. In order to combat these pollutants, use a high impact vacuum to get rid of the debris and pollutants that build up on and around these large appliances before it escapes into the air. Also, be sure to have your ducts cleaned routinely and routine maintenance on the appliances completed as well. These steps will insure your home is properly ventilated.

Air Filters

Another way to improve your home’s indoor air quality is choose the appropriate air filter. There are many options of air filters available in most local hardware stores. It is important to know the correct size of your HVAC system and what size air filter best fits the system. Also, take into consideration if you have pets or family members that have allergies, etc. There are air filters that are better for pet dander and at keeping out smaller particles, etc. Air filters also need replacing consistently to insure they can adequately filter out pollutants.

Humidity: Using Dehumidifiers

Another way to improve your indoor air quality naturally is in helping to control the humidity in the air. This can be accomplished through the use of dehumidifiers. Humidity is especially and issue in most places during the summer months. The humidity can seem inescapable. However, humidity is in fact an issue all year long. It is important to maintain a healthy level of humidity in your home in order to maintain a healthy indoor air quality. This is because dust mites and mold thrive in very humid conditions. Therefore, keeping the humidity at bay means keeping the dust mites and mold away. Your home’s humidity level should be between 30-50 % at all times. You can accomplish this humidity level by making sure there are no significant leaks in any of the plumbing pipes that are located throughout your home in the ceilings, floors, or walls. You can then use a dehumidifier in your home to help control the humidity level and protect your home and family from mold and other issues.

About the author

Michelle Patterson is an HVAC technician who lives in Lewisburg PA. She loves writing blogs on Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning topics. She started blogging as a way to share her innovative ideas with people or companies involved in the HVAC industry.

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