Indoor air quality plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. As we spend more time indoors, it becomes essential to create a clean and healthy environment for ourselves and our loved ones. This blog will explore the importance of indoor air quality and provide practical tips to improve it.
Indoor air pollution can come from different sources such as chemicals from cleaning products, paints, and furniture as well as biological pollutants like mold or pollen and sources such as indoor smoking, cooking fumes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Assessing indoor air quality is an important step in understanding the current state of the air in your home. Here are some methods given for assessing your indoor air quality:
1. Observational assessment: pay attention to any noticeable odors, mustiness, or unusual smells in your home as well as mold growth. Also monitor the presence of condensation on windows or walls, which could indicate high humidity levels.
2. Physical symptoms: take note of any physical symptoms experienced by household members, such as allergies, coughing, headaches, or respiratory issues. Then decide whether these symptoms could occur due to the indoor air quality.
3. Air quality monitoring devices: utilize air quality monitoring devices, such as indoor air quality monitors or sensors, to obtain real-time information on pollutants present in your home. These can measure particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature.
To promote good air quality, consider installing ventilation systems to promote fresh airflow and reduce indoor pollutants by, for example, smoking outside or turning on your extractor hood when cooking. Moreover, when inviting multiple people into your home, open windows to lower the carbon dioxide concentration. However, consider that the outside air quality could be poor and thus opening windows is not always effective. Most weather apps behold information on whether the outside air quality is good or poor.
There are also low-VOC products and natural cleaning alternatives available on the market which could replace current cleaning agents that contain a high level of VOCs. Lastly, placing indoor plants could also help improve the carbon dioxide concentration as plants take up CO2 and release O2 by respiration.
With the gained knowledge, you are equipped to take control of your indoor air quality. By implementing the suggested strategies and making conscious choices, you can improve your indoor air quality and thus create a healthier living environment.
Thank you for the tips!
Another suggestion I’d like to make is to consider using HEPA filters for your home’s air conditioner. However, it’s important to be selective when choosing one for your system. The effectiveness of HEPA filters is measured by their MERV rating. While high-rated filters are more efficient at capturing small particles, they can also restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption.
For most homes, HEPA filters with a MERV rating between 6 and 13 should work fine.