Factors like outdoor traffic, indoor pets, and smoking can harm the quality of air inside of your home. Poor air quality triggers allergy and asthma symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It also makes your house smell unpleasant and contributes to mildew growth. Use these practical tips to maintain good indoor air quality in your home year-round.
Avoid Indoor Smoking
If you or anyone in your household smokes, avoid smoking inside of your home. Go outdoors to smoke to keep pollutants from cigarettes and cigars out of your indoor air. Ask visitors to go outdoors to smoke as well.
Clean Your Floors Regularly
The flooring in your house can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Allergens like pet hair and dust get trapped in carpet fibers. Dirt and dust on hard floor surfaces can get into the air. Vacuum, sweep, and mop your floors every few days or weekly to help maintain good indoor air quality.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Install a CO detector in your home. Test it every few months to ensure it works normally. Change the batteries in it at least twice a year to ensure it will alert you if it detects CO in your home’s air.
Change the HVAC Air Filters
Change the air filters in your heating and cooling system. Dirty air filters contribute to poor indoor air quality by causing the system to blow out particles into your home’s air. Change the filters at least every two to three months. Use high-quality HEPA filters to maintain good indoor air quality.
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
Scented candles and room deodorizer sprays smell good. However, they’re full of chemicals that contaminate the air inside of your house. Instead, simmer herbs like citrus and rosemary to make your home smell better.
Utilize Air-Cleansing Plants
Add air-cleansing plants to your home. Some of these plants include:
- Peace lilies
- Snake plants
- Spider plants
- Red splash
- Grey star
- Calathea peacock
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Synthetic household cleaning products contain VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene. Avoid releasing those toxins into your home’s air by switching to natural cleaning products. These options include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
Use a Dehumidifier
Poor air circulation contributes to lower indoor air quality and higher indoor humidity. High humidity levels create environments that allow mildew and algae to grow. Fungi create dank odors and pollute your home’s air. Use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in your house and prevent fungal growth.
These solutions are some you can use to maintain good air quality in your home. Contact Whipple Plumbing in Salt Lake City, UT to learn more about our indoor air quality services.
