Taking steps to boost the air quality in your home is an investment in your health and well-being. Homes often have pollutants such as pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen. Improve indoor air quality to protect the health of your family and guests.
Improve Indoor Air Quality with Regular Cleaning
A cleaning routine is important to regularly remove dust and dirt from your home. Wipe down surfaces, dust, and vacuum at least weekly. Some contaminants like dust and pet dander may become trapped in the fabrics around your house. Curtains, carpet, and upholstery should be washed regularly or steam cleaned.
Purchase a vacuum with a HEPA filter and set a reminder to change the filter regularly. A HEPA filter is a premium filter that will trap 99% of indoor pollutants.
When shopping for cleaning products, look for cleaners that don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals impact air quality and can cause allergy and asthma-like symptoms in some people.
Use an Air Purifier
Especially in a home where people suffer from allergies and asthma, air purifiers make a big difference and help alleviate respiratory symptoms. Most air purifiers are sold based on the square footage the device is designed to treat. Use an air purifier in common areas of your home and install one in the bedrooms of allergy sufferers.
Improve Indoor Air Quality by Managing Humidity
Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. Too little moisture can cause problems like dry eyes, scratchy throats, nosebleeds, and cracked skin. Too much moisture encourages mold and mildew to grow in your home.
Monitor the humidity in your living spaces with a moisture meter. Ideally, the humidity in your home should be between 35 and 55%. If the bathroom and kitchen are equipped with exhaust fans, turn them on when you’re cooking or showering.
If humidity is too low, use a humidifier to improve indoor air quality by adding moisture to the air. If too much moisture is present and you’re having problems with mold, install and use a dehumidifier.
Let Fresh Air Into Your Home
Opening the windows will encourage air circulation and is an easy way to improve air quality. Open a window when you shower or cook to help reduce odors and humidity. Just 5 or 10 minutes of fresh air during the day makes a difference. Good airflow helps clear your home of dust, pet dander, and other irritants. Even when the weather is cold, try to open your windows on nice days to allow a few minutes of air exchange.
Guardian Home Inspection Services offers services to home buyers and sellers in Michigan. Contact us to schedule an appointment.