6 Ways to Drastically Improve Indoor Air Quality

by Viki Adams Freelance Writer

We look forward to getting outdoors more as summer approaches, but the realization of the season's humidity and heat pushes us to spend a lot more time inside instead. And, while we connect low air quality with a cloudy day, vehicle exhaust, or industrial waste, the fact is that your indoor air quality is frequently as bad as what you find outdoors.

Interior air contaminants vary from pollutants dragged in from outside by your pet to hazardous gas leakage. Carbon monoxide is a harmful air pollutant caused by natural gas that enters your house when it is not burnt off. Older houses may have lead particles and asbestos, which can be toxic to the lungs when emitted into the air. Because of all these contaminants, assuring that your home is safe is more important than ever before. Here are just a few ways you can consider improving your indoor air quality and keep you family safe.

Keep Your Carpets and Rugs Clean
Carpets and rugs do more than just make your house more comfortable. They function as an air filtering system, collecting particles such as dust in their numerous fibers. Clean your rugs and carpets every week, and they will continue to work for you, enhancing the air quality of your house by merely lying there. Vacuuming carpets at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Opting for hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting may also cut down on allergens in the home.

Install an Air Purifier
The HVAC system is a two-edged sword. Your heating system can sometimes be the source of issues, especially if your unit's ducts are dirty or have mold in them. With the installation of a HEPA certified air purifier, your HVAC system will also act as the focal point of your air-quality enhancement project. An air purifier will reduce animal dander and dust; kill mold and bacteria, leaving you with fresher air to avoid allergy triggers.

Change Your HVAC Filters
Air-conditioning units are constantly running to keep your house at the ideal temperature all year. However, when they cycle through so much air, they flush out some common air contaminants. Their air filters eventually get clogged and cease to function effectively. This not only degrades your indoor air quality but also slows down your Air conditioner, potentially necessitating expensive repairs. Therefore, ensure you change your AC filters on a regular basis.

Allow Fresh Air to Enter
Even during the winter months, keep your windows open from time to time to let fresh air into your home. Additionally, use fans in the kitchen to eliminate cooking fumes.

Keep Indoor Plants
Plants are natural air filters. Investing in a few indoor plants will benefit your home's indoor air quality while also improving its beauty. Small plants such as lilies and ferns (which flower indoors) and bigger palm trees are ideal for removing pollutants from the air.

Use Activated Charcoal

Using activated charcoal to clean your air has become easier than every before. From bulk activated charcoal to simple purifying bags, you can leave use them to help make indoor air quality safer and cleaner than ever before. Charcoal is a natural alternative to air purifiers that only mask odors and release harmful chemicals into the air of your home. Whichever option you choose, make sure the charcoal has been purified of harmful toxins. Choose activated charcoal if you can. Activated charcoal has a larger surface area and more pores, allowing it to take up more toxins and last longer.

Keeping your indoor air quality breathable and pure necessitates vigilance and preventive action. From the five practical steps above, you can minimize indoor air emissions on your own.