Most homeowners deal with indoor air quality problems from time to time. The thing is, it can be very tricky to find the source of the problem. However, if you are constantly tearing up and coughing, the chances are that the air quality in your house is less than optimal. Not only can poor air quality cause your allergies to flare up, but it may also bring about more serious health issues that can severely affect vulnerable age groups including children and seniors. Fixing this issue is pretty simple, though. By following the next few tips, you can improve the air quality in your home in no time. Read on for more details.
Clean the House
Don’t brush off the importance of deep cleaning your house at least once a month. This is especially the case if your floors are covered in carpets, as they attract dirt, dust, and pet hair like crazy! By simply vacuuming your house every few days, you may be able to eliminate the source of the problem. Just keep in mind that your vacuuming technique matters. When vacuuming, make sure to move the handle slowly to grab as much dirt and dust as possible. That said, you should vacuum both vertically and horizontally for better results. In addition, curtains can house huge quantities of dust, so you have to clean them every week. Not only will this help your home look better, but it will also keep the air inside it fresh.
Change Your Filters
Nowadays, there isn’t a house that does not have an HVAC unit. Although having an HVAC is a great way of ensuring that your house does not become too cold or too hot, this unit might be contributing to your poor indoor air quality. HVAC filters work on trapping dirt and dust so that the air the unit circulates remains clean. However, after a few months, these filters usually become too old to function as intended, prompting you to change them. Ignoring these frequent replacements can bring about allergies and cause severe complications for asthma patients.
To ensure that the filters are working properly, enlist the help of an HVAC technician, and make sure to replace them every 3-6 months. You also have many filter choices to pick from, depending on your budget and needs. For instance, HEPA filters are very effective at purifying the air, but they can be a bit on the expensive side. On the other hand, washable filters are reusable, so they are fantastic for homeowners who have a tight budget but do not want to compromise the safety of their families.
Get an Air Purifier
Sometimes, cleaning or replacing your HVAC filters might not be enough. In this case, you can opt for an air purifier to do the job. These devices have many types, though, and each has a different mechanism. Absorbent purifiers, for instance, rely on active carbon to attract and trap pollutants, while ionizing purifiers use an electric field to get rid of dust and debris. There are also UV models that offer better air quality since they use ultraviolet light to disinfect the environment. This makes them more capable of eliminating pollutants and germs as well.
Don’t Keep Plants Inside the House
This might come off as a surprise, but having indoor plants can do more harm than good. Even though plants release oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide, they can still be an allergen for some people. Not only that, but they also attract mold, which is one of the main culprits behind poor indoor air quality. For this reason, it is better to stick to planting trees or flowers in your garden instead of keeping them inside.
Groom Your Pets
Yes, your fluffball is adorable indeed, but the fur and dead skin it sheds might be as abundant as snow on Christmas Eve! This can clog your filters and cause allergies. Fortunately, you do not have to rehome your fluffy companion. By just following some healthy practices, you can get rid of this problem. For instance, you can brush your pet’s coat every day to help reduce shedding. You may also give it a summer cut. This will decrease the amount of fur it loses every day especially if it is a long-haired breed.
Your home is your sanctuary, so making sure that it remains free of allergens is vital. If you have trouble with indoor air quality, you can try replacing your HVAC filters or purchasing an air purifier. That said, don’t forget to clean your house regularly to eliminate dust and mold. By employing these simple hacks, you will surely find a noticeable improvement in a matter of days.
