Some people don’t know that poor indoor air quality can be dangerous to your health. However, the reality is that indoor air can contain harmful contaminants that lead to health problems. Fragrances, pet dander, household cleaners, and dust are some examples of indoor pollutants that often appear when a home air quality test is performed. Since you spend most of your time indoors, it would be wise to keep your indoor air clean for a comfortable environment. Here are some tips to ensure that you protect and clean the air that you breathe indoors all year long.
Check Your Furniture
Some furniture is made of toxic materials and glues that can pollute your indoor air. The toxic glues contain harmful chemicals. Some finishing products like varnishes can affect the health of asthmatic people and those suffering from allergies. You can prevent indoor air pollution naturally by avoiding furniture treated with chemicals and furniture pieces assemble using toxic glues.
Salt Lamps
Salt crystal products are great at reducing airborne irritants, allergens, and pathogens by extracting water vapor from the air. A salt lamp is a natural way of cleaning your indoor air because it works by pulling toxins from your surroundings and neutralizing them. You can improve indoor air quality by placing a salt lamp near your office desk or in your room and leave it on during the night.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural way of improving indoor air quality through purification. Activated charcoal is odorless and very efficient at eliminating toxins from your indoor air. You can also purify your indoor air naturally with bamboo charcoal.
Keep Your Home Clean
Good indoor hygiene is integral to maintain a healthy home in Oak Harbor. Pollutants, such as dander and dust, can quickly build up and affect your indoor air quality, especially if you don’t keep on top of house chores. Ensure that you throw away clutter often, vacuum your carpets and rugs, and frequently clean curtains and bedding. Keep other items that might trap indoor air pollutants clean to maintain clean indoor air.
Essential Oils
Mold and fungus are unlikely to survive in the presence of essential oils like grapefruit, oregano, tea tree, rosemary, and thyme. Essential oils can kill most airborne bacteria in your house. Consider using an antiseptic blend of pure essential oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, and grapefruit to keep your house free of germs and to purify the air. You can also add essential oils to detergents and soaps for cleaner and fresher indoor air.
Groom Your Pets
With indoor pets, pet skin cells and dander can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Pet fur is a leading cause of asthma and allergies. Ensure that you minimize pet dander and skin cells by cleaning your pets regularly. Brush your pets outside and vacuum carpets and floors is an effective way to maintain and improve your indoor air quality.
Indoor Plants
You can improve the quality of indoor air by introducing indoor plants to your space. Some plants cleanse and improve indoor air quality by absorbing the carbon monoxide you breathe out. You can try placing plants like spider plants, peace lily, and bamboo palm around your home since they grow well indoors and remove toxins like ammonia and benzene from your indoor air.
Avoid Smoking
Avoid allowing visitors to smoke in your house. Secondhand smoking causes odors and increases the possibility of developing cancer and asthma. Ensure that your guests smoke outside of your home to prevent contaminating your indoor air.
Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation reduces moisture levels, which is a primary cause of poor indoor air quality. Besides opening your windows, it is wise to install trickle vents that can purify and cycle the air you breathe. You may also consider the use of exhaust fans that assist in carrying pollutants outside. Ensure that you increase ventilation in your kitchen because cooking is a primary source of indoor air pollution. Furthermore, remember to vent extra moisture and steam before showering by turning on the fan to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Contact Our Experts Today
Your indoor air quality is essential in providing a comfortable home and protecting your overall health. Call Island Heating & Air Conditioning if you need more help with improving the quality of your indoor air. Our technicians are also licensed and can do AC installations, furnace repairs, and maintenance.
Tags: IAQ, tipsTags: Indoor Air Quality
February 4, 2021 9:25 pm
