04 Oct 6 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Did you know air pollution in your home can be just as bad – or even worse – than it is outdoors. The average person spends over 90% of their time indoors, breathing in polluted indoor air for more than 150 hours every week. What’s more, our homes are more insulated and less ventilated than ever, which positively impacts our energy bills but negatively affects our air quality, as dry, stale air hangs about for longer. Luckily, there are things that we can do to improve the air quality in our homes – check them out below:
1. INCREASE VENTILATION
It might sound obvious, but keeping the windows open as much as possible is an easy way to ensure your home is well-ventilated. Toxins in the home can come from carpet, furniture, walls, air fresheners and a range of other sources, so the most effective and easiest way to reduce or dilute these toxins is to bring fresh air into your home.
2. INVEST IN AN AIR PURIFIER
Air purifiers remove ultra-fine dust particles, pollutants, bacteria, allergens, and bad odours, which is particularly important in bedrooms as we tend to sleep with the windows and doors closed for up to 10 hours a night. Look for air purifiers with a high CADR (clean air delivery rate). The higher the number, the faster the unit will filter the air.
3. CHANGE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
Air-conditioning systems are always working to give your home that perfect temperature all year round whilst also filtering out some common air pollutants. Eventually, the air filters fill up and stop doing their job. Not only does that cause trouble for indoor air quality, but it also wears down your AC system, leading to costly repairs down the road. So, be sure to change your AC filters regularly.
4. DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER AIR FILTERS
Your AC filter isn’t the only thing working to keep the air clean in your home environment. Your vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer and kitchen vents should all be inspected and maintained periodically. It’s recommended to clean or replace these common household filters every few months.
5. LIMIT SCENTED ITEMS
Scented candles and air fresheners can contribute to the poor air quality inside your home. Air fresheners may help mask bad odours, but every spray sprays synthetic chemicals into your home. Try to go entirely natural with an organic room diffuser or essential oil burner.
6. ADD AN AIR-PURIFYING PLANT
Plants are nature’s natural air filters. Buying a few indoor plants can do wonders to improve the indoor air quality in your home while enhancing your home décor. According to a study by NASA, the most efficient plants for purifying the air include aloe, peace lily, spider plant, chrysanthemum and bamboo palm.