Many people worry about smog and other pollutants in the outdoor air that they breathe, but not as many realize that they could be experiencing far worse air quality in their own homes.
Poor indoor air quality can be detrimental to the health of every member of your family. Though there may be sources of air pollution in potentially every room of your home, most of them can be addressed quite easily to improve your home’s air quality and thus, the health of its occupants.
So, what are these pollutants lurking in your home, waiting to do you and your family harm? They can include everything from fumes from gas-fired appliances such as a stove or furnace to your beloved family pet’s dander. Other contaminants can be found in the presence of dust mites or mold.
So, how do these things affect your health? Poor air quality can cause coughing, sore throats, itchy or watery eyes, breathing troubles, or trigger asthma attacks.
Breathing poor-quality air can also cause frequent headaches, extended bouts of colds or flu, and bronchitis. Thankfully, there are a number of great AC units for Arizona that you can purchase that have built-in features to avoid the buildup of these allergens and substances.
But if you aren’t looking for a replacement or want to learn more about what you can do yourself, let’s talk more about how you go about improving the air quality in your home.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Let’s look at some measures you can take to create a healthier environment within your living space and improve your overall health and well-being.
Ventilation
Increasing the amount of ventilation in your home can greatly improve air quality. During the warmest and coldest months, we tend to close up all the windows and doors tightly so that our HVAC system can do its job properly.
In doing so, we can trap nearby vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, dirt, mold, debris, and dander in our homes.
If you can open a window or door from time to time, you will allow for these pollutants to escape. Ventilation systems can also provide some relief without letting in the heat or cold from outside.
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Air Conditioning
Because air conditioning removes water from the atmosphere, it will remove many water-soluble pollutants, fine particles, and pollen that may be floating about your open space. In addition to this, your air conditioning will move air around and allow it to be filtered out.
HEPA Filters
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter used in combination with air conditioning can pull most of the contaminants from the air in your home, providing you with clean, fresh air to breathe. You can use standalone units in various rooms or speak with an HVAC professional about installing one in your system to filter the whole house.
What Kind of Pollutants are Found in Most Homes?
While many contaminants can enter your home, what kind you will find there depends largely on your home’s surroundings and your internal activities or appliances. Some possible pollutants are discussed below.
Gases
If you cook on a natural gas or propane stove, you need to have the jets cleaned regularly to prevent irritating gases from forming and lingering in your home. A gas stove can emit nitrogen dioxide.
When this combines with the sunlight filtering in through nearby windows, it produces ozone. Ozone gases can irritate your lungs and cause wheezing even in people with no history of asthma. You can avoid this type of buildup by keeping a window open or using an exhaust fan to reduce buildup.
Particulates
Regular cleaning is a good start when trying to remove particles in your indoor air, but it won’t do all the work and if you are using certain cleaning products, you might even be making things worse.
Cleaning chemicals like bleach and ammonia contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some paints, varnishes, and floor polishes also contain these harmful compounds that, when used, can filter into the air and form harmful gases.
You can reduce these gases by switching to products that contain low VOCs or none at all. Fragrance-free or natural cleaners are a good option. Liquids and pastes are also preferable to sprays that send particles flying through the air.
Mold
If you have damp areas in your home, you might find mold spores forming. Damp basements, poorly ventilated bathrooms, or leaking pipes can all lead to mold. Take measures to make repairs or add ventilation to these areas to prevent mold spores from contaminating your indoor air.
Pet Dander
While your pet may be your best friend, he can also be hazardous to your health. If you suffer from allergies or have breathing issues, the dander that comes off your pet and enters the air around you can be affecting your condition. Limit the areas where your pet is allowed to roam and bathe him regularly to reduce allergens.
Dust Mites
No one likes dust and they especially don’t like the tiny little creatures that like to live within it. Dust mites can get everywhere. You can find them in your bedding, on your furniture, and on your carpet. When these areas are disturbed, the dust mites can fly up into the air and enter your airways.
The good news is that you can eliminate dust mites by keeping the humidity in your home between 30 and 35 percent. They don’t like dryness but don’t be tempted to drop the humidity any lower than suggested or you risk other health risks associated with dry air.
You can reduce the humidity by simply using your air conditioning system or with the aid of a dehumidifier. An inexpensive hygrometer from your local DIY store can be used to measure humidity.
Secondhand Smoke
Tobacco smoke is associated with diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and emphysema, even when taken in as secondhand smoke.
The best way to eliminate the effects of tobacco smoke on your home air quality is simply not to smoke in your home. Instead, designate an outdoor area that is far enough away from windows and doors so that the smoke doesn’t enter your home.
Conclusion
By taking the measures suggested, such as increasing ventilation and eliminating pollutants from your home, you can greatly improve the air quality in your home and reduce factors that adversely affect your health.
