Air pollution that enters your home becomes trapped when the home is well-sealed. Also, some pollutants are generated indoors from activities like cooking and cleaning. Here are some ways to deal with these pollutants to promote healthy home indoor air quality.
Why Home Indoor Air Quality Matters
Along with cooking and cleaning, indoor air pollutants from manufactured products, the HVAC system, and other sources can be a problem. Some of these pollutants may cause respiratory issues and other health symptoms. Your home should be a healthy environment for you and your family to live in, so focusing on home indoor air quality is essential.
1. Use an Air Purifier
One of the easiest steps that you can take to improve air quality at home is to use a quality air purifier. The capabilities of air purifiers vary, so do your research to make sure you choose the best one for your space. You might need to buy multiple purifiers for different rooms of the home, or invest in a whole-house purifier that can be attached to your central air system.
2. Grow Houseplants Indoors
A NASA study concluded that some plants remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Keeping a few houseplants around your home is an effective way to filter indoor air while also adding a natural aesthetic.
Keep in mind that over-watering houseplants can raise the humidity and moisture in the home, which leads to mold growth. Make sure to follow the care instructions for whichever type of plant you choose.
3. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Cleaning your floors and furniture regularly is an effective way to remove pollutants from the home, but be aware that cleaning can also worsen your air quality in some cases. Home indoor air quality can be negatively affected by the use of many chemical-based cleaning products.
These products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the home that can become trapped indoors. A smart alternative is to make your own cleaning products with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils or to choose environmentally-friendly cleaning products at the store.
4. Turn on a Ventilation Fan
Most homes have ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. These are designed to pull out pollutants and moisture. Use the kitchen fans when cooking to get rid of fumes and moisture. The bathroom fans reduce humidity in the air which helps discourage mold growth. Use both of these fans regularly to help improve indoor air quality.
Now that you have a better understanding of why home indoor air quality matters, follow these steps to improve your indoor air and your family’s health.
Peconic Home Inspections provides home inspection services to the East End of Long Island. Contact us to book our services.