Learning how to maintain the air quality in your home can go a long way toward protecting the health of your family. A report published by the Environmental Protection Agency indicated the concentration of air pollutants indoors could be two to five times higher than outdoors.
This is especially alarming to anybody with respiratory problems. Some of the dangers of poor indoor air quality include respiratory and sinus infections, as well as a greater chance of triggering asthma and allergy attacks.
Homeowners in Plainfield, IL can take comfort in the fact there are several easy and effective ways of maintaining the air quality in their homes. Here’s how you can make it more easy to breathe in your household.
Open Windows for Fresh Air
Perhaps the most cost-effective and simple way to change toxicity levels in the air is by opening a few windows and letting fresh air into the house. This gives a polluted air an opportunity to escape as well.
One of the best times to bring in fresh air is during cooking, especially if you own a gas stove since this activity can produce a large amount of air pollution. Don’t forget proper ventilation can also help by reducing moisture levels, thereby slowing down the spread of mold and mildew.
If your bathroom has a fan, it’s also recommended you turn it on while showing to reduce condensation. If opening windows isn’t an option, you may want to look at installing trickle vents or exhaust fans. These can have the same effect of opening a window but won’t let any outdoor pollution into the house.
Add to Your Houseplant Collection
Houseplants are a great way of adding character to home while also acting as a natural air purifier. They’re effective at reducing toxicity levels while adding clean air to a household.
The more plants you own, the better it will be. Here are some of the most effective houseplants for cleaning up the air:
1. Peace Lily.
2. Lady Palm.
3. Bromeliad.
4. Dracaena.
5. Boston Fern.
6. Spider Plant.
7. Jade Plant.
8. Aloe Vera.
Trash Your Chemical Cleaners
Heavy-duty chemical cleaners are among the biggest contributors to poor indoor air quality. Many of these products contain high levels of ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates and petroleum-based compounds.
Prolonged exposure to these substances can have adverse health effects. A large number of households store gallons of these products throughout the home.
Many major retailers now stock eco-friendly alternatives, which are biodegradable and don’t contain harmful chemicals. You can replace all of your current cleaning supplies with these products. Another way to avoid using toxic cleaners is by creating your own solutions using common household items, including water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice.
Replace Your HVAC Filter Periodically
One of the best tools a home has in fighting against poor air quality is the filter that comes equipped with every central air conditioning and heating system.
This component typically does a pretty good job of trapping dust, debris, and other harmful particles before they circulate throughout a home, but if it becomes clogged or dirty, it can no longer perform this function. It’s best to check the filter every few months to see whether or not it needs to be replaced.
These simple, easy and effective methods designed to boost the air quality in your home can have a significant impact on the long-term health of everybody in your household. A little bit of work can go a long way toward protecting your family.
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