Just because you don’t see any dirt or dust floating throughout your home doesn’t necessarily mean the air is clean. In its report titled “Targeting Indoor Air Pollution,” the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cited indoor air pollution as being one of the top five environmental hazards. So, what can you do to improve the quality of air inside your home?
Maintain 40-50% Humidity
While most homeowners are familiar with the temperature inside their home, many ignore another important climate measurement: humidity. If the humidity is too high, mold and mildew will thrive. If it’s too low, you may experience dry skin and nose bleeds. To prevent problems such as these, maintain 40-50% humidity inside your home.
Houseplants
In addition to their aesthetic qualities, houseplants also promote clean air by filtering impurities. For a list of the top air-purifying plants, check out NASA’s Clean Air Study here.
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
Whether it’s a scented candle or air freshener, you should avoid fragrant products containing synthetic chemicals. Once burned, many of these chemicals are converted into toxic and more dangerous chemicals, such as acetone.
Vacuum
Of course, another simple yet effective tip to improve the air quality in your home is to vacuum the floors. Vacuuming at least once a week removes a significant amount of loose dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and pet dander (assuming you have a pet).
Clean the Air Ducts
Air conditioning and heating ducts are a haven for airborne pollutants. According to some sources, up to 40 pounds of dust is created in the average home. While some of this dust catches on the furniture and floors, it also accumulates inside the HVAC ducts where it slowly disperses back through the home.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your air ducts at least once every 3-5 years to reduce buildups of dust and other airborne pollutants.
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