If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma symptoms, you’ll find it helpful to improve indoor air quality. Keep your home healthy and safe by taking steps to remove contaminants from the air you breathe.
Lower Humidity to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Humidity is a major factor in indoor air quality. Moisture in the air contributes to mold and mildew growth and it’s also hospitable to dust mites. The ideal humidity in a home is between 45 and 60%. Reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier in rooms where moisture levels in the air are too high.
Keep a Clean Home
Dust, mold, and pet dander will collect on surfaces around your house. To improve air quality, it is important to keep a clean home. Make a schedule so that you’re dusting and vacuuming at least twice weekly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap the most particles.
Change the HVAC Filter
As your HVAC system circulates the air in your home, it’s also moving around airborne irritants. To help keep the air in your home clean, change the HVAC filter as recommended. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, you’ll need to change your filter at least every 30 to 90 days.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier is an easy way to help improve the air you breathe. Especially if you have pets, an air purifier will help boost air quality by trapping contaminants so they can’t be recirculated in the air.
Like your vacuum cleaner, purchase an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Because these filters are so effective, you’ll change the filter often. However, this just means the purifier is doing its job in improving your indoor air.
Reduce VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many building products and chemicals we use around the house. Paints, particleboard and pressed-wood furniture, stains, air fresheners, cleaning products, and candles release chemicals into the air.
When remodeling, choose low-VOC paints and building supplies. Make your own natural cleaning products instead of using commercially available, chemical-laden options.
Ventilation Fans to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Your home is likely equipped with ventilation fans in the bathrooms and kitchen. These fans move smoky and humid air out of your home. Your kitchen range hood fan will remove cooking odors, carbon monoxide, and moisture from your home.
The bathroom fan dries the room by pulling out moisture, which helps prevent mold growth. Use ventilation fans when you’re showering or preparing food, and run the fan for at least 20 minutes after you’ve finished.
Premier Home Inspection Services offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.