You may think going inside and giving your house a good scrub down is enough to keep pollutants at bay. Many people believe that the air inside their home is cleaner than the air outside. That isn’t the case, advises the Environmental Protection Agency. According to a recent study, indoor air quality is generally 10x worse than outdoor air quality. Some homes have air quality that is 100x worse than the air you breathe outside. Too often we’re obsessed with keeping dirt and insects out of our home. Consequently, things get trapped inside our homes too.
The quality of the air you breathe is incredibly important. The air you breathe can negatively impact your health. According to the same study, poor indoor air quality can lead to asthma. It can also exacerbate respiratory problems, and irritate allergies. You spend a ton of time indoors, and most of your time is likely spent in your home. Dealing with the air quality inside your home could have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
What is Polluting Your Indoor Air?
There are a number of pollutants that could be to blame for poor indoor air quality. Homes and buildings are made from materials that often put out gases. The products used to clean the home also contain chemicals. Naturally occurring elements and chemicals also swirl in the air and decrease indoor air quality.
The most common indoor air pollutants include;
Volatile Organic Compounds – These are most commonly attributed to the off-gassing of building materials and furnishings.
Toxic Chemicals – Commonly found in everyday cleaning products, pesticides, and air fresheners
Carbon Monoxide – Commonly caused by appliances. Carbon monoxide detectors should be located throughout your home.
Mold – Moisture problems can lead to mold spores entering the air and reducing overall air quality. Black mold is especially dangerous.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
There are a few remedies that can help raise your indoor air quality. Some are quick fixes you can perform, while others will require the help of a professional.
Experts suggest airing out the home as often as possible. Using natural ventilation to bring fresh air in and remove old air can raise the quality of the air. Not all homes, however, are set up for optimal natural ventilation.
Utilize the fan above your stove and in your bathroom. These vents will push the air in your home outdoors. The exhaust fan above your stove should be vented outdoors. This will pull carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide outside, instead of recycling it into the air. Using the exhaust fan in your bathroom after showers will keep moisture at bay.
Use the least caustic cleaning products you can find. Natural cleaning products, like white vinegar and lemon, can clean your home without toxic chemicals.
Change your Air Filters. Changing your air filters is an important part of home maintenance, but one that is often forgotten. Change your filters regularly to ensure proper indoor air quality.
Consider adding an Air Scrubber. Air Scrubber+ is a small filter that uses UV light to sanitize and clean the air that is coming out of your duct system. At Forrest Anderson, we can install it in a day, and it begins working immediately.
Add a fresh air intake. Fresh air intakes are additional hardware for indoor air systems. The intake will pull fresh air into the home on an automated circulation schedule.
Forrest Anderson, Indoor Air Quality Experts
Whether you find yourself in need of improved indoor air quality, or you are interested in making your home more efficient, call Forrest Anderson. We are experts in indoor air quality and know what it takes to make your home comfortable and safe.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!