Science-Backed Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Did you know that the air you breathe within the comfort of your own home has a profound impact on your well-being? It’s true! According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we spend around 90% of our time indoors, where certain pollutants can be 2 to 5 times more concentrated than outdoor levels.

Take a moment to reflect on this: each breath you take in your home matters. If your indoor air contains toxic substances, molds, or other harmful compounds, they have the potential to accumulate in your system over time, leading to various health problems.

From annoying irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat to persistent headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, the quality of your indoor air can significantly impact your daily life. In fact, it has even been associated with respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and the development of cancer.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the realm of indoor air quality, equipping you with valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance the air you breathe at home.

Open a Window – Even for a Few Minutes a Day

Opening a window for even a few minutes per day can improve indoor air quality. It increases ventilation and can reduce allergen and pollutant buildup in your home.

According to The Guardian, which cites an allergy specialist and doctor, keeping your windows shut all day allows chemicals and allergens to build up inside.

You should even open a window regularly if you live in a polluted city or near a busy street. The outdoor air may not be as clean as other areas, but it can still reduce allergen and chemical buildup in your home – especially if you open windows at night or times of lower traffic density. Most phones also now contain air quality reports on the weather report – check regularly to monitor local conditions.

Switch to Eco-Conscious Cleaning Products

Eco-conscious cleaning products often use safer ingredients and contain lower levels of VOCs. They contain fewer harmful chemicals and leave behind less harmful residue.

ECOS cleaning products, for example, are made without over 500 potentially harmful ingredients we call The Nasties. Avoiding these ingredients reduced the potential adverse health effects that could lead to respiratory and eye irritation, long-term risks and environmental pollution.

Install Wooden or Vinyl Floors Instead of Carpets

If you’re making a flooring change in your home, then consider installing wooden or vinyl floors instead of carpets.

Carpets and other soft materials may absorb more toxins and pollutants, and they could release those pollutants with every step. In fact, many carpets have pollutants built-in: some carpets are cured with formaldehyde, for example, which could impact indoor air quality.

Clean & Vacuum Regularly

There are obvious ways to improve indoor air quality, and this is one of them: cleaning and vacuuming your home regularly can reduce dust, prevent the buildup of pollutants, and keep your indoor air cleaner.

Be sure to clean your vacuum filter between uses. Otherwise, your vacuum could be adding more dust to the air instead of removing it.

Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels

If you live in a humid climate, then humidity can significantly impact indoor air quality.

Excess moisture can lead to mold and other indoor air quality issues. Some of the best steps for reducing humidity in a home include:

• Using a dehumidifier
• Wiping moisture away from surfaces after using the bathroom or kitchen
• Using a bathroom or kitchen fan
• Ventilating
• Urgently dealing with any mold forming around your house

Maintain HVAC Systems & Replace Filters Regularly

Experts recommend replacing air filters at least every 3 months, depending on use. Times of heavy use – like during a hot, smoky summer or an extra cold winter – could require more frequent changes to maintain indoor air quality.

Replacing air filters regularly is important for indoor air quality, but it’s also important for your HVAC system and utility bill. Replacing your filter eases the strain on your HVAC system, which could extend its lifespan.

Final Word: Don’t Underestimate the Impact of the Air You Breathe

In conclusion, the importance of taking indoor air quality seriously cannot be overstated. As you breathe the air inside your home day and night, even small amounts of toxins have the potential to accumulate over time, posing a threat to your health, as well as the health of your loved ones and pets.

The risks associated with poor indoor air quality are significant and should not be ignored. By prioritizing and actively improving the air quality in your home, you can create a healthier living environment for everyone.

Remember, your well-being is worth the investment in clean and fresh indoor air. Take the necessary steps to ensure the air you breathe is free from harmful pollutants and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, happier home.