10 Best Tips For Better Indoor Air Quality At Home
Outdoor air pollution is a serious environmental issue that garners global attention. However, the quality of the air you breathe at home is also extremely important, and it is easy to ignore it.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor air may have up to 100 times more pollutants than outdoor air, and it has a harsher impact on health. This is because people spend more time indoors than outdoors.
But how can you monitor and improve your indoor air quality at home to ensure it remains healthy? This post offers ten tips.
10 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
Here are ten practical tips you can use to improve the quality of the air you breathe at home.
1. Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps circulate fresh air and reduce the buildup of indoor pollutants. Open your windows regularly to let in fresh air, especially when cooking or using household cleaners that release chemicals. If you live in an area with high outdoor pollution, use window filters to minimize contaminants entering your home. Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can also improve ventilation by removing moisture and pollutants. Consider installing an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to continuously exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing heating or cooling.
2. Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers help remove airborne pollutants like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose a purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is designed to trap even the smallest harmful particles.
If you have allergies or respiratory issues, an air purifier can significantly reduce symptoms by improving air quality. For the best results, place one in high-traffic areas like the living room or bedroom.
3. Keep Humidity Levels in Check
Maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% helps prevent mold growth and dust mites, which thrive in excessive moisture. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements to keep humidity levels under control. On the flip side, during winter, indoor air can become too dry, causing respiratory discomfort. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, improving comfort while preventing dry skin and irritated sinuses.
4. Use Technology to Improve Air Quality
Smart indoor air quality systems take the guesswork out of maintaining clean air. These systems continuously monitor air quality, detecting pollutants, humidity levels, and temperature fluctuations. Some models even provide real-time data via an app, allowing you to track and improve indoor air conditions easily. Beyond monitoring, advanced systems can also enhance air quality by automatically adjusting ventilation, activating air purifiers, or alerting you when air quality drops. Investing in smart air quality technology ensures your home remains a healthier space for you and your family.
5. Test Your Indoor Air Quality
If you’re unsure about the pollutants in your home, consider hiring a professional Indoor Air Quality expert with NACDA certification. These specialists use advanced tools to measure common indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide, mold spores, and VOCs. A professional assessment helps identify hidden air quality issues that DIY methods might miss. Based on the results, you can take targeted actions to address specific concerns, ensuring long-term improvements in your home’s air quality.
6. Reduce Household Chemicals
Many household products, including cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and paints, release harmful VOCs into the air. To reduce indoor air pollution, use natural, fragrance-free, or low-VOC alternatives. When using chemical-based products, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using an exhaust fan. Storing these items in a well-ventilated area or outside can also help reduce their impact on indoor air quality.
7. Change HVAC Filters Regularly
Your HVAC system’s filters trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants, preventing them from circulating in your home. However, clogged filters reduce efficiency and allow contaminants to build up in the air. Check and replace your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters, such as HEPA or MERV-rated filters, for better filtration.
8. Clean Regularly to Reduce Allergens
Dust, pet dander, and mold spores accumulate on surfaces, contributing to poor air quality. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum can help remove these particles from carpets and furniture. Also, dust surfaces with a damp cloth instead of a dry one to prevent particles from becoming airborne. Washing bedding and curtains frequently in hot water also helps reduce allergens in your home.
9. Add Indoor Plants for Natural Filtration
Certain houseplants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, can naturally filter toxins from the air. These plants absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, improving indoor air quality. However, be mindful of overwatering, as damp soil can promote mold growth. Choose low-maintenance plants and position them strategically around your home to enhance air quality without creating excess humidity.
10. Don’t Smoke Indoors
Cigarette and vape smoke release thousands of harmful chemicals into the air, many of which linger for extended periods. Secondhand smoke exposure is a leading cause of respiratory issues and poor indoor air quality. If you can, limit smoking to outdoors.
FAQs
What is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality?
The best way to improve indoor air quality is to use a smart IAQ management system like Haven. You can also increase ventilation, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and reduce indoor pollutants like dust, mold, and chemical fumes.
How to purify indoor air naturally?
Open windows for fresh air, use air-purifying plants, keep humidity balanced, and clean regularly to reduce dust and allergens.
How to get fresh air in a house?
Open windows and doors when possible, use exhaust fans and consider an air exchange system to bring in fresh outdoor air.
What increases poor indoor air quality?
Poor ventilation, dust buildup, high humidity, mold, smoke, pet dander, and chemical pollutants from household products can worsen air quality.
Keep Your Home’s Air Clean With Haven
Haven is an award-winning, innovative, and smart clean air solution designed to track, monitor, and maintain your home’s indoor air quality at optimal levels for long-term good health. This smart indoor air quality system tackles any air quality issues holistically by enhancing your HVAC system’s filtration and keeping your air quality at recommended ranges. It also easily connects with other home systems, creating a smart and healthy home ecosystem.
Try Haven today to create and maintain healthy indoor air quality for your family!
