If you’re worried about your indoor air quality and the negative impact that it may have on the health of you and your family, you have every right to be.
Indoor air research has found that air indoors can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and when you consider how many chemicals are released into your home through cleaning products, dust, and open windows, it’s no wonder that could be the case..
Now that we’ve got your attention, the ByPurify team has identified 7 ways to help you better manage and control air quality while indoors.
Keep reading to discover 7 simple solutions…
Why’s Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality is important because it relates to the air that I breathe.
This means that anything present in the air has the potential to be ingested or processed by my bodies – and this includes germs, bacteria, and other pollutants.
What Defines Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Coughing and sneezing, dust, and many other similar factors can define poor indoor quality.
Short-term and long-term exposure to indoor air pollution can cause several health problems, including respiratory disease, heart disease, cognitive impairment, and cancer1.
Your home is a haven of peace where you can rest and be safe from harmful things, but there are times when your home can make you sick instead.
Watch out for these 7 symptoms of poor air quality:
Cough or Shortness of Breath
A cough is one of the most common respiratory symptoms you may experience, along with shortness of breath.
When there’s a lack of ventilation, the cause of these breathing problems can be the introduction of particles into the air.
Without proper ventilation, you’ll end up reducing the amount of fresh oxygen in the room.
Sneezing or Allergic Reactions
Along with coughing and shortness of breath, sneezing and other nasal conditions are other telltale signs.
Irritation of the nose and throat can be signs of an allergic reaction.
Skin Rash or Irritation
If you’ve noticed rashes, redness, or dry skin and can’t identify other possible causes, it may be due to poor indoor air quality.
This is due to the concentration of pollutants in the air.
When bacteria and other air pollutants stick to your body, they dry it out and prevent the flow of nutrients.
Headache or Nausea
Do you have persistent headaches without knowing why?
The answer could be in the air.
In this case, it can be due to harmful chemicals found in pesticides and cleaning products, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide.
Insomnia
When the indoor air isn’t good, sleep can be difficult to achieve.
60% of people rarely get a good night’s sleep due to high levels of air pollution in the area2.
Not only do you suffer from a lack of sleep, but insomnia can also lead to a lack of concentration during your waking hours.
Dust
Are you seeing dust build up on your air filter and around your air conditioner?
This indicates an increase in pollution in your home.
Foul Odor
Poor air quality can lead to bad odors, many of which can come in many different forms.
Apart from chemical pollution and dust, foul odors can also come from pollen or mold.
7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Did you know that using the right air purifier can also save you money?
The 7 ways to improve indoor air quality include changing your AC filter and regularly vacuuming.
This is because air pollution can range from your pet’s hair to hazardous gas leaks and even asbestos and lead particles, which can damage the lungs when released into the air.
In bathrooms and kitchens, mold can become a nuisance, as the humidity tends to be higher in those areas than in the rest of the house.
Here are 7 things you can do right away to improve the air quality in your home:
Change Your AC Filter
The air conditioning system constantly works to provide your home with the perfect temperature all year round, and as they move through the air, they remove some of the air’s pollutants.
Eventually, their air filters can get clogged and stop working properly.
Not only does this cause problems for your indoor air, but it also damages your air conditioning system, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Don’t Forget Other Air Filters
If you want to improve your home’s air quality, check out filters and other accessories.
It’s important to have your furnace, dryer, and all of your kitchen surfaces inspected and maintained regularly.
It’s recommended to clean or replace the filters in these household features and appliances every few months.
Read our air purifier reviews to find out more!
Check Your Ducts
Air ducts distribute hot and cold air throughout your space, providing a regulated atmosphere throughout.
Improperly installed or maintained air ducts and ventilation systems, however, can spread contaminants from room to room.
What’s more
Over time, dust, dander, and even mold can build up in your ductwork, reducing the overall air quality.
Call a professional to make sure your ductwork is circulating clean air.
Keep Your Rugs & Carpets Clean
Dirty rugs and carpets can act as dust and dirt traps, especially those with fluffy fibers.
As a result, every time you step on the rug or carpet, you release some of the trapped particles into the air that you breathe.
That’s why it’s important to keep your rugs and carpets clean by vacuuming them regularly, in addition to scheduling a regular deep clean.
Control the Humidity
Wet and humid conditions lead to mold and mildew that can trigger respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma.
Depending on your location, the hot summer months can bring particularly humid conditions.
But there’s hope…
Reduce the amount of moisture in the air and prevent the growth of annoying mold by using a properly placed dehumidifier.
Different options for dehumidifiers will help maintain a consistent level of humidity and create a comfortable living environment in your home.
Buy Indoor Plants
Trees are nature’s air filters.
Buying a few plants can do wonders for improving the indoor climate of your home while also enhancing your home’s decor.
Small plants such as ferns and lilies (which grow indoors) and tall palms are the best choices for drawing pollutants out of the air.
For a powerful air purifier that complements natural solutions, check out the review of the VEVA Elite Pro Series Air Purifier to see why it’s a top pick for clean indoor air.
Common Questions
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In Conclusion
Indoor air quality is incredibly important and, depending on how you manage it, it has the potential to impact your quality of life.
So the next time your family has the sniffles or the air in the office has a bit of a weird smell to it, you may want to investigate your indoor air quality and take action.
I trust that the ByPurify team has equipped you with enough knowledge on indoor air quality, and the 7 best ways to improve it.