Air Quality Improvement: 10 Things Homeowners Can Do For Their Homes
With Memorial Day fast approaching, the next thing you know, it’ll be the 4th of July. Spring is almost done and the warm summer weather is creeping in. A lot of you are probably already done with your spring cleaning but how about summer-proofing your home? Aside from calling in your trusted AC company to check on your air conditioning unit, what have you done to improve the air quality in your home?
Here are some things that homeowners can do to ensure that the quality of air inside their homes is as good as it can possibly get:
- Get those windows opened
It’s pretty obvious but we thought we’d still include this in our list. Opening your windows will allow the nasty air to come out and be replaced by fresh and clean air. If you want to improve the air quality in your home, open your windows every day for a certain period so that your house is well ventilated.
- When buying furniture, go for used ones
This might not seem to make sense at face value but when you think about it, new furniture contains VOCs or volatile organic compounds that are released in the air. Ever wonder what makes furniture smell new? That’s VOC at work. These come from fabrics, paint, and glue that are used to make new furniture. So if you’re looking for some new stuff for the house, opt for ones that aren’t as new and have stopped emitting VOCs.
- Clean up regularly
Some of the most common contaminants in the air are dust, pollens, and other similar allergens. Inhaling them could cause some health issues, including asthma. To prevent this, keep your surroundings clean and free of allergens by regularly cleaning the house. Dust and wipe furniture and appliances and vacuum floors and carpets.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Since we’re already on the topic, you might also want to consider switching to eco-friendly cleaning agents instead of the ones you’re using now. Most commercial-grade cleaning products contain VOCs and other harmful chemicals that negatively affect the air quality in your home. When shopping for cleaning materials, choose the ones with food-grade materials such as coconut oil.
- Get an air purifier
No matter how clean you are around the house, you cannot guarantee that your home will be 100% dust- and particle-free. This is where an air purifier comes in. They trap and get rid of dirty air by drawing it in, filtering it, and releasing cleaner and fresher air into the room.
- Keep indoor humidity under control
Humidity leads to moisture build-up in homes. And where there are moisture, molds, dust mites, and viruses are present. Especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Opening windows can help keep humidity inside in check. If you can’t keep your windows open at all times or your room has poor ventilation and insulation, a dehumidifier can help do the job.
- Make your home smoke-free
We’re all aware that smoking is dangerous to your health. We’re also aware of how second-hand smoke is more hazardous. So it is best to keep your home free of tobacco to ensure good air quality around the house. The benefits of doing away with smoking far outweigh any individual’s pleasure from puffing on a cigarette or cigar.
- When giving your home a new paint job, only use non-toxic paint
A lot of people have repainted parts of their homes in the midst of the pandemic. Chalk it to boredom. Even during spring cleaning, folks like to spruce up their properties by giving them facelifts. When you give your home a new paint job, stay away from paint that contains toxic chemicals; remember VOCs? Look for non-toxic paint, instead.
- Say goodbye to your old wood-burning stove
Wood-burner stoves aren’t rarities in houses as millions of Americans have them. Even though they add some aesthetic character to your home, it has been found that their indoor use exposes families to more pollutants compared to staying on the streets during rush-hour traffic. The smoke emitted from wood-burners can cause long-term respiratory problems and could damage your lungs. If you really can’t do without your stove, then at least keep the windows open when you’re using it to let out the bad air and let in some fresh air.
- Become a plant parent and use plants as interior decor
Plants are a huge thing in interior design for the past few years. They’re not just amazing decorative pieces but they also help clean the air inside the house. So if you’re about to do some remodeling or go decor shopping, consider investing in a good number of houseplants.
Ensuring that your home has the best possible air quality this summer can help keep you and your loved ones healthier and safer, especially amid a pandemic. Never take the air you breathe in for granted. It’s not always as clean as you would like to think.
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