The quality of air we breathe impacts the quality of life we live. Outdoor air pollution is unquestionably a problem in the world today, but it’s easy to overlook the possibility that the air quality you breathe at home plays an important role in your daily life. The truth is that indoor air pollution can be just as bad as, or even worse than it is outside. Throat, nose, and ear discomfort, as well as headaches and dizziness are a few signs of poor indoor air quality. More serious illnesses such as cancer and respiratory diseases can develop if the necessary precautions are not taken.
Taking the time to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) can help reduce the risk of developing poor health conditions and may even improve your quality of life. Our team at Star Mechanical has compiled a number of strategies to combat indoor air pollution right in the comfort of your home. Here are some tips to get started.
Test Your Air Quality
Indoor air quality testing is the number one way to determine the next steps for improving your home ventilation system. A number of air quality test kits are available online. While some kits only test for one contaminant, like radon, others let you check for many pollutants.
If you’re only interested in checking for one or two specific contaminants, at-home testing can make more sense, but many at-home test kits aren’t comprehensive. Working with an expert is more effective if you want a full, comprehensive report of your air quality. A professional will be able to test your air quality to determine what pollutants are present and help you take steps to improve it.
Establish a Cleaning Routine
A clean home is a happy and healthy home. Your cleaning efforts should concentrate on methods to lessen the buildup of dust, mold and pet dander that may be present in your home. Consider implementing these methods in your home:
- Regularly using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter
- Choosing hard flooring over wall-to-wall carpeting
- Washing any bedding, drapes or other items where pet dander can gather
- Clearing the clutter in your home that may trap and retain dust or mold
Invest In An Air Purification System
One efficient technique to maintain cleaner air in your house is to install an air purifier. You may wish to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter since these filters typically perform the best job when eliminating dangerous particles from the air.
Ionic purifiers are also great at helping to remove allergens that may be present when they’re placed in areas of the home that are used frequently. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to totally eliminate these allergens, you can reduce their presence, which might improve the issue.
To prevent the growth of mold, think about installing a dehumidifier in damp areas like a basement. Bathrooms can also be a producer of mold, so make sure they’re properly ventilated and remove any mold that you see growing in the shower or elsewhere.
Use Indoor Plants
In addition to adding life and visual flair to any area, indoor plants may also contribute to improving oxygen levels and the air quality in your home. Some plants can filter out dangerous pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wood, cleaning supplies, furniture, trash, carpets and more.
When choosing plants to help with your IAQ, the type of plant should be taken into account. Not all plants are created equal when it comes to eliminating toxins. Plants such as Dracaena marginata, peace lily, or even the common ivy are known to help create a natural filtration system in your home without creating more allergens.
Need a Hand? Contact Star Mechanical!
Star Mechanical is committed to providing exceptional services for our community to keep your home happy and healthy. Our team of experts is here to guide you and answer any questions or concerns you have about your indoor air quality. Contact us today, and breathe easy knowing that your Manteca indoor air quality is taken care of.
