Improving Your Indoor Air Quality for Your Health

By Charlie Fletcher

Nothing feels better than taking a deep breath of fresh air. But if you have poor air quality in your home, you could be putting yourself or your family at risk — just by breathing! 

Poor air quality in the home can be caused by pollutants. They release gases into the air that can contribute to health problems. Improper ventilation within a home can make the air quality even worse. 

While some people might not initially be bothered by poor air quality (or even notice it), it can start to impact the overall health and wellbeing of others. Poor air quality can cause headaches, a sore throat, dizziness, eye irritation, and fatigue. There are certain people who have a greater risk of problems, too, including those with respiratory issues like asthma. Poor air quality can cause those suffering from asthma to have to take medications like Breo to manage their symptoms. 

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality quickly. Once you put some of these tips into place, it’s worth it to invest in an indoor air quality monitor to occasionally test the air within your home. 

Upgrade and Maintain Your Systems

Technology has made it easier than ever to improve the air quality within your home. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to keep things clean, you just have to invest a bit of time and money into making sure things are well-maintained. 

One of the easiest ways to improve your air quality is to make sure your HVAC system is working properly. You can adjust the settings on your system to circulate the air more frequently through your home, keeping it cleaner and free of pollutants. If you have your fan set to “auto,” it kicks on and off based on the temperature. But if it doesn’t turn on for several hours, the air in the home can become stagnant. Turning the fan “on” will create consistent circulation. It might also raise your utility bills, but if you have allergy sufferers or those with respiratory issues in your home, it’s worth it. 

Additionally, you can invest in either a humidifier or vaporizer for the home. Humidifiers add moisture to the air that can help with issues like: 

• Dry throat
• Sinus issues
• Dry skin
• Symptoms of the flu/a cold

Vaporizers have additional benefits, as you can add scented oils or medications to them to be dispersed into the air. If someone in your house is suffering because of poor air quality, one of these machines can help. 

Keeping It Clean

The average American spends 87% of their life indoors. While all of that time obviously isn’t in your own home, we can assume that you’re spending plenty of time there, too, and have the opportunity to keep things clean for the sake of better air quality. 

While regular sweeping and dusting can get rid of some pollutants, focus on more deep cleaning activities to really improve the air within your space. Changing your air conditioning filter at least once a year can make a difference, in addition to changing filters in your vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, and even the vents in your kitchen. 

Keeping your rugs and carpets clean is also important for reducing indoor air pollution. The fibers that make up your carpet and rugs serve more than the purpose of comfort or style. They can actually work as “filters,” too. When they’re dirty and clogged with dust, debris, dander, and other pollutants, it can leave your air stagnant and make it more difficult to breathe. Be sure to vacuum regularly, and shampoo your carpets and rugs several times a year. 

While you’re doing all of this cleaning, take a look at the products you’re using. Cleaning products that are laden with chemicals are one of the leading causes of air pollutants in the home. Choose cleaners that are free of chemicals and opt for organic, natural solutions instead. Or, make your own!

Redecorating for a Cleaner, Greener Space

Did you know that actually redecorating and adding a few key elements to your home can make a big difference when it comes to air quality? Having multiple plants in your home is a great way to purify the air and get rid of pollutants naturally. Some plants are better than others when it comes to their natural purification properties. Some of the best to boost air quality are: 

• Aloe vera
• English ivy
• Bamboo plants

The way you choose to decorate and arrange your home can also have an impact on air quality. If you’ve never heard of the art of Feng Shui, why not do some research and give it a try? It’s the practice of strategically placing items in your home to create a decluttered, aesthetically pleasing area. 

Not only can Feng Shui promote positivity, but it can actually improve the overall airflow in your home. The practice of Feng Shui encourages people to prioritize air and light by opening windows and doors and using natural light sources whenever possible. 

As you can see, improving your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few simple changes and regular upkeep around the house, everyone in your family can breathe a little easier.