6 Important Things To Know About Indoor Air Quality

By Clinton Courier | December 15, 2022 |

It’s no secret that having clean air is essential for our health. But did you know that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the outside? This means that indoor air quality is more important now than ever, and it’s up to you to ensure your homes are healthy and safe. Here are six essential things to know about indoor air quality.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

The quality of indoor air can be affected by a multitude of factors. Ventilation and contaminants such as dust or dander from pets can make a room’s air difficult to breathe in. Additionally, off-gassing chemicals, mold, and humidity can contribute to poorer air quality. Any particles in the air, including pollen, tobacco smoke, microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, and synthetic organic compounds, are all considered airborne pollutants that can be hazardous when breathed in. Creating an environment where hazardous materials are stored securely away from living spaces will also help to promote better indoor air quality.

What Are the Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

With more and more people spending most of their time in the confines of their homes, it is becoming increasingly a responsibility to maintain good indoor air quality. Poor air quality can cause various health issues, such as difficulty breathing, headaches, eye and nose irritation, throat soreness, and fatigue. One might also experience coughing or sneezing if the air quality deteriorates due to factors such as pet hair, dust build-up, mold, or other allergens. Homeowners must look for any signs of potential respiratory problems that might be symptomatic of low-quality indoor air. In more extreme cases, people with serious respiratory illnesses can develop lung diseases over time due to poor air quality.

Ensure Your HVAC is Working Properly

The HVAC system is responsible for circulating air throughout the home, so you must have licensed and certified HVAC technicians regularly inspect and maintain its components to ensure proper functioning. When dealing with a HVAC business, ensure you are working with a reputable company that can provide service contracts and warranties on their work. Additionally, having the air filter in your system changed or cleaned regularly will help improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne pollutants like dust and pet dander from circulating throughout the home. This should be done every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use your HVAC system. Additionally, ensure any ductwork is properly sealed off to reduce the risk of pollutants leaking into your home from outside sources.

Clean Your Home Regularly

Regular cleaning is an essential way to improve your home’s air quality. Dust, dirt, and other allergens build up quickly in the home. Hence, it’s essential that you dust and vacuum regularly, especially if anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma. Additionally, wash any sheets, blankets, and towels at least once a week using hot water and detergent containing bleach or enzymes to kill off any bacteria or germs.

Invest in Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are designed specifically for removing airborne pollutants from indoor spaces, such as dust particles, pollen, smoke residue, pet dander, etc., making them ideal for those with allergies or asthma who need cleaner indoor air conditions. Make sure you purchase units with HEPA filters, as they are specially designed to trap tiny particles that could escape other filters. Some models even come with special filters designed specifically for reducing odors, so if there are any persistent smells like cigarette smoke, this could be a great option too. It may be of interest to you to read this – https://verywellhome.com/best-air-purifier-for-bedroom/

Monitor Indoor Pollutants

You can purchase devices specifically designed to test indoor pollutant levels, such as carbon monoxide detectors that help monitor CO levels inside the home. These should be tested quarterly or more often if needed, and batteries should be changed annually according to manufacturer guidelines for best results. Additionally, consider investing in an indoor-air-quality monitor which helps detect pollutants like VOCs. These generally require calibration after six months of use but typically only need to be replaced every few years depending on how often they are used or maintained properly.

Indoor air quality is an important factor to consider when it comes to overall health and safety in the home. Take the time to learn how it can be affected, what signs indicate poor air quality, and how to keep your home clean. You can also take steps like regularly dusting and vacuuming, investing in air purifiers, monitoring indoor pollutants, and ensuring your HVAC system is working properly are all essential for keeping the air inside your home healthy and free of pollutants. With the right precautions, you can keep your indoor space safe and breathable for years.