It’s easy to think that you’re safe against air pollution when you retreat to the security of your home. However, this isn’t always the case. The air in your home can be just as polluted as the air outdoors — if not even more so.
If you’ve been spending more time indoors in recent months, it’s understandable if you’re feeling concerned for your family’s health. Luckily, there are various ways to fight back against household air pollution. There are steps you can take — big and small — to keep your home feeling like a safe, comfortable place to live.
Let’s go over five simple ways to improve indoor air quality.
Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Before we can discuss how to improve indoor air quality (or “IAQ,” as it’s commonly referred to), it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with. All-in-all, poor indoor air quality can have many consequences for your household’s comfort and health. Some pollutants can induce respiratory-related problems, such as coughing, sneezing, and headaches — among many others.
The importance of indoor air quality should also be stressed if you have allergies or asthma. Poor IAQ can lead to worsening symptoms, which can get in the way of your daily routine.
Since airborne contaminants cannot be seen or easily detected, it’s often difficult to know what you could be dealing with. Here are a few of the most common indoor air pollutants and where they come from:
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
There are many tips for improving indoor air quality that are worth trying. Of course, it can be challenging to know which ones are the most effective and worth your time. Below, we’ll go over some of the easiest methods. Some of these tips you can tackle all by yourself, while others may require the assistance of a professional.
Change the Air Filter
If you’re searching for simple ways to improve indoor air quality, we recommend starting with your HVAC system’s air filter. As you probably already know, these air filters need to be replaced every once in a while — about 90 days — so that they don’t get dirty or clogged. Dirty air filters can negatively affect your HVAC system’s performance and indoor air quality by limiting airflow.
When you change the air filter in your HVAC system on a regular basis, you can improve the air quality in your home while helping your heating and air conditioning systems work at peak performance. This is a win-win situation!
Open Some Windows
Believe it or not, you can open windows to improve the ventilation of air inside your home. This way, you can introduce clean, fresh air indoors.
As we continue to discuss how to improve indoor air quality, you might be surprised to learn that even the smallest actions — such as opening a window — can make a world of difference in your comfort. Of course, you should always exercise caution. If you reside in a location where the outdoor air is currently heavy with dust and other types of pollution, it’s probably best to keep your windows closed for the time being. Also, be smart about opening windows in the spring or fall seasons if you are allergic to pollen, ragweed, grass, and other common outdoor irritants.
Use Exhaust Fans
Another way to improve ventilation is to use exhaust fans (or “cooking vents,” as some people might call them). Running these exhaust fans can pull air pollutants up and out of your home; they can also help keep any potential contaminants from sitting in the same area for an extended period of time.
If you enjoy using a gas stove, it’s important to use the vent every time you cook in order to prevent carbon monoxide and other gasses from settling inside your home. Of course, you can also use this vent when you aren’t cooking. For example, running the vent when you have visitors can help remove virus particles from the air.
Although there are many simple ways to improve indoor air quality, don’t overlook this tip. It’s important to enhance the ventilation in your house in any way you can — whether that’s opening a window or using an exhaust fan.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Since we’re discussing simple ways to improve indoor air quality, it’s impossible not to mention the importance of keeping your home clean. Various sources of indoor air pollution, such as pet dander and dust mites, can reside in carpets, drapes, and bedding.
Doing easy tasks, such as washing your bedding, dusting the cabinets, and vacuuming carpets, can help lower the number of airborne contaminants inside your home. You might also want to clean your air ducts every three to five years to keep dust and debris from settling inside.
Do you experience a lot of dust buildup on your tables and countertops? When cleaning any hard surfaces, consider using natural cleaning products. Some common household cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can further pollute the air.
Install an Air Purification System
As you learn how to improve indoor air quality, you might be searching for a very specific solution. For instance, you might want a solution that you don’t have to constantly worry about. Fortunately, this is where an air purification system can come in handy.
Air purifiers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some larger-scale systems, known as whole-house air purifiers, connect directly to your HVAC system. These air cleaners work simultaneously with your heater or air conditioner and are effective at removing dust, dirt, pollen, and various other types of contaminants.
If you have questions about air purification systems, get in touch with a Westlake Village air quality expert right away. There are numerous products and services that are designed to help keep your home’s air clean, safe, and healthy.
Improve Your Home’s IAQ With RR Electric
Although there are easy ways you can improve indoor air quality all by yourself, it’s never a bad idea to contact an IAQ expert for help. At RR Electric, we have a team of professionals that are committed to improving air quality in Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, and beyond. We offer an expansive range of solutions for homeowners, including air purifiers and dehumidifiers, to help your family breathe easier. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our technicians today!
