Clean air can be important when it comes to living a long and healthy life. But did you know, according to research by the Environmental Protection Agency, that indoor air pollution can be two to five times as bad as outdoor air pollution?
Spending time in our own homes can be more hazardous than outside. We may be more at risk of respiratory and sinus infections, along with more frequent asthma and allergy attacks, while we sit in our living rooms.
On the plus side, there are a few things Lees Summit, MO residents can do to boost the air quality in your home. Here are four tips and tricks you can use to maintain good indoor air quality.
1. Buy More Plants for your Home
Bring some green into your home while helping make it easier to breathe. Adding to your houseplant collection is a healthy and natural way of cleaning up the air while adding beauty to your home.
Houseplants act as natural air purifiers, and the more there are, the bigger the impact. Some species of plants are more effective at eliminating toxins than others.
The following are most among the most effective: Peace Lily, Lady Palm, Bromeliad, Dracaena, Boston Fern, Spider Plant, Jade Plant and Aloe Vera.
2. Stop Using Chemical Cleaners
Many homeowners have gallons of heavy-duty cleaners lying around the house without realizing how badly they contribute to poor air quality.
Some of these products contain compounds such as ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates and petroleum-based substances. Simply by staying idle under the sink or in your closet, these cleaners are making the air more toxic.
Thanks to the green movement, there are a number of environmentally conscious cleaning options available on the market. It’s easier than ever to find products on shelves that are biodegradable and not poisonous or harmful. If you’re interested in going the do-it-yourself route, you can also create cleaning concoctions made from natural ingredients, such as water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
A simple way to increase air quality is by opening a few windows and allowing the air inside a home to circulate in and out.
This is especially important while cooking, especially if you own a gas stove since such activities are a major source of air pollution.
Also, properly ventilating your home can reduce the amount of moisture inside. It would be wise to open a window and use the bathroom fan while bathing to reduce the amount of condensation and slow down the development of mold and mildew.
If you’re worried open windows will allow too much outdoor pollution to make its way inside, there are other ways of ventilating the air. Installing trickle vents or exhaust fans can also be effective in ensuring toxic air goes out, and fresh air makes its way inside.
4. Replace Your HVAC Filter on a Regular Basis
Every central heating and air conditioning system comes with a filter that can be used to capture dust and debris before it gets circulated throughout your home.
The longer it’s in use, however, the dirtier and clogged up it becomes, which makes it less effective and efficient.
Be sure to check your HVAC system’s filter every few months to see whether or not you need a replacement.
Due to the high level of health risks associated with poor indoor air quality, it’s integral for homeowners to be part of the solution and not the problem. Following these tips and tricks can go a long way toward creating a healthy home environment.