Most Americans spend around 90% of their lives indoors, so whatever we
breathe in during all those hours can have an impact on our health. Asthma,
allergies, and other respiratory problems are aggravated by poor air quality.
Fortunately, you can fix many of the causes of poor air quality.
Here are some steps you can take to improve your home’s air quality:
- Vacuuming and dusting your home on a regular basis makes a big difference.
- Leave shoes at the door so dirt and dust aren’t tracked through your home.
- Change the HVAC filter every three months, or every month if you have breathing
problems or allergies. Also, choose a high-rated filter, because it will
block more particles.
- Clean pillows, curtains, bed linens, and shower liners and curtains often,
using hot water if possible to kill the dust mites and remove any dust.
- Houseplants can clean the air and add beauty to your home at the same time.
- If you have a pet, make sure you clean up their dander and fur up as often
as possible. Keep their beds washed frequently and try to have them sleep
in a different room from you.
- Keep smoke from cigarettes or cigars outside the home. If you have a wood
stove or fireplace, make sure your flue and chimney are regularly inspected.
- Open the windows occasionally to allow fresh air inside.
- Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to remove odors and toxins
from cleaning chemicals. Choose natural-based cleaners to breathe easier.
- If you burn candles, make sure they are clean-burning varieties. Better
yet, choose essential oils or simmer citrus and spices in water to scent
your home without any chemicals.
- Keep a close eye on your home’s humidity so mold growth is discouraged.
Wilson Plumbing & Heating can help improve your air quality even more
by installing an air purification system. These systems remove minuscule
particles that cleaning methods and filters may miss.