Indoor air pollution may be worse in big cities, due to higher levels of outdoor pollution filtering into homes, but it affects those living in the country too. We have put together an article highlighting some of the things you can do to improve the air quality inside your house.
Maintaining clean indoor air quality doesn’t have to mean investing in pricey air purifiers. Here are three simple ways to breathe cleaner air today.
Change Filters Regularly
With everything you have to do, changing the filter in your central air unit is a duty that probably gets lost in the shuffle. Here’s how to remember to change your filter:
Set a reminder on your phone: Set a recurring event on your smartphone for the first day of the month. This will remind you to check your filter once a month to determine if it needs to be replaced. (Pro tip: Hold the filter up to a light. If you can’t see any light through the screen, it’s time to swap it out.)
Store a stack of filters where you’ll see them: You know the saying, out of sight out of mind. Don’t tuck your replacement filters away in a garage or attic where you’ll seldom see them. Instead, store them in a laundry room or other room you frequently visit to keep them top of mind.
You should also have your air ducts cleaned regularly by Duct Cleaning Companies.
Avoid Synthetic Fresheners
Many people use candles or air fresheners to make their houses smell good. However, these often contain chemicals that pollute your air. If you like the coziness of burning candles, make sure to use products that are made of soy or beeswax. Also, it is wise to use unscented cleaners and laundry detergent.
Open a Window
It might sound obvious but keeping your airflow fresh is the cheapest and easiest way to improve the air quality in your home.
Opening the windows during winter may seem counter-intuitive when you’re trying to stay warm and save money on central heating but it’s vital for letting oxygen in and nasties out, as well as reducing the humidity that dust mites need to survive.
Be particularly careful to keep rooms well-ventilated when using chemical-heavy cleaning or decorating products.
Use An Air Purifier
Air purifiers can prove particularly helpful during the peak hay fever season from May to July and usually feature LED displays that flash green when the surrounding air is clean. Some release negative ions into the air to help neutralize airborne viruses and bacteria.