Improving Air Quality Within the Home

Air Pollution exists everywhere. When an individual thinks of pollution, they bring to mind the smoke coming from vehicles in traffic or the smoke billowing from an industrial building in a major city. However, indoor pollution represents as a bigger concern today. The air individuals breathe within their residence remains a bigger risk to human health, although many people remain unaware of this.

Air Pollution in the Home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is two to five times dirtier than the air outdoors. Americans, on average, spend 87 percent of their life indoors. As a result, they need to evaluate the air quality in their residence to see if it could make them ill. Sadly, many people don’t pay any attention to what they breathe indoors, which needs to change. What can a person do to improve the air quality in their home? Invest in AllergyGuard™ window shield.

Common Pollutants Found in the Home

Pollutants in the home come from many sources. Pets serve as a source of pollution in a residence. Humans carry contaminants into the home on their clothes and shoes, and carbon monoxide remains a concern of anyone who owns gas appliances. Natural gas may leak from one of these appliances rather than being burned within the appliance. When it escapes, occupants of the home become ill and may even die.

Some homeowners struggle with controlling mold and mildew in their homes, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture levels often remain high. Homebuilders used lead and asbestos in the construction of homes decades ago, and some homes in the country today have these items present.  If the home hasn’t been updated, this could lead to health problems for anyone in the residence. Fortunately, humans find they can improve the air quality in the home with the help of the following seven steps.

Change Air Filters Regularly

Heating and cooling systems in the home function to keep the environment comfortable for those who live in the residence and their guests. As the heating and cooling unit circulates air throughout the home, its filter removes common pollutants from the air. However, these particles become trapped in the filter. As a result, it works less effectively and cannot remove pollutants. This leads to a decline in the air quality within the home. Furthermore, clogged filters reduce the lifespan of the heating and cooling unit while bringing about expensive repairs.

To avoid these issues, change the air filters as recommended by the unit manufacturer or the technician charged with servicing and repairing the unit. Some companies offer an air conditioning service plan, and homeowners should consider investing in a plan. Individuals prone to allergies and those living in metropolitan areas where pollution remains a concern might find they need to change their filters more often to keep the air quality in their residence at an acceptable level.

Change Other Household Filters

The AC filter stands as only one of many filters found in households today. To improve the home’s overall air quality, men and women need to change other filters found in household appliances. This includes the vacuum cleaner, kitchen vents, the clothes dryer, humidifiers, and more. When changing the filters, examine the appliance to detect any problems early, as a malfunctioning appliance could send pollutants into the air.

Clean the Air Ducts

Air ducts transport hot or cold air throughout the home to ensure every room remains comfortable for the occupants. When the technicians fail to install a duct properly or the duct doesn’t receive the necessary maintenance, it allows contaminants to be distributed throughout the home. Mold, dust, and dander build up in the ductwork and move throughout the residence, which negatively impacts the home’s air quality. Have the ducts professionally cleaned regularly to ensure fresh, clean air makes its way throughout the residence.

Utilize Cooking Vents

Indoor air pollutants often originate in the kitchen of the home. A gas stove could release harmful pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Electric burners also produce contaminants, although at a lower level than their gas counterparts. The particles enter the body where the bloodstream absorbs them. Use kitchen vents to remove these contaminants from the air and keep a window open whenever possible to provide more fresh air in this frequently used room.

Clean Rugs and Carpets in the Home

Countless individuals prefer rugs and carpets over bare wood or tile floors. They find these surfaces to be more comfortable when they walk, among other things. Carpets and rugs serve as air filters in the home, as the fibers trap dust and other pollutants. Vacuum the carpets daily to remove these contaminants and improve the air quality in the home at the same time.

Monitor Humidity Levels in the Home

When a home interior remains hot and humid, mold and mildew find the perfect environment to thrive. Their presence in the home triggers allergy and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Hot summer months bring added humidity to the air, which can increase indoor humidity levels. Dehumidifiers help to keep the moisture in the home at an acceptable level to curb the formation of mold and mildew. Explore different dehumidifier options to find the model or models needed to maintain a suitable humidity level while keeping the interior of the home comfortable for all.

 

Invest in Indoor Plants

Plants act as natural air filters. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, and plants remove pollutants inside the home in a similar manner. The plants also enhance the decor of the home. Choose small plants such as lilies and ferns and pair them with large palm trees to remove these pollutants and freshen the air.

Homeowners need to keep the air in the home pure and breathable, but this task challenges many. If you find you struggle in this area, seek outside help. One thing you can do to minimize the number of pollutants entering the house is to install AllergyGuard’s window shields. These shields restrict the number of pollutants making their way into the home, including pollen, virus droplets, agricultural dust, pollen, and more. They do so by forming a defensive barrier that repels unwanted airborne particles. Check them out today to see how they can be of benefit to you.