Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ, is a measurement that’s finally beginning to get the attention it deserves. Poor IAQ can worsen allergies and breathing conditions, and it can greatly contribute to a number of health problems. If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s IAQ, try these simple suggestions.
#1 Clean Using Natural Products
Did you know that most household cleaners use harsh chemicals? There’s a reason why oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and other common products recommend wearing gloves and even a respirator during use. The chemicals contained within can be so harmful that many organizations warn against their use.
That’s why it’s worth looking into natural cleaning products instead. More and more homeowners are actually making their own cleaners, giving them greater control over what goes into the product and, ultimately, what is spread around their home. Next time you reach for a cleaner, read the ingredients and warnings to ensure it’s truly safe.
#2 Avoid Odor Concealers
Many people are in the habit of spraying air fresheners and fabric refreshers to cover up odor, but they can actually do more harm than good.
As in the case with most cleaning products, these scented products often contain chemicals that can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Their lingering presence in your carpeting, furniture, and clothing can also cause issues in the long-term, which is why you should always avoid them.
It was decided many years ago that companies don’t have to disclose the compounds they use to produce a product’s scent, allowing many chemicals to hide behind the simple word “fragrance” on the ingredient list. Instead of risking harmful ingredients, make your own refreshers or opt for organic products that don’t contain any chemicals.
#3 Seal Doors and Windows
Aside from products causing indoor pollution, IAQ can also be affected by outdoor air quality. When dirty air comes in from the outside, it makes your home’s IAQ even worse, especially since the inside of your home will likely keep the polluted air trapped for a long time.
The solution is to seal up any air leaks around your doors and windows. Try to minimize the amount of outdoor air getting into your home to keep your IAQ as high as possible.
#4 Properly Ventilate Your Home
So, if you are sealing up leaks to prevent outdoor air from getting in, how exactly can you keep your home’s interior fresh? The key isn’t to stop air circulation, but to control it.
Rather than allowing air to leak in around doors and windows, install a home ventilation system that will bring air into your home in the right quantities while filtering it for safety and comfort. The right heating and air conditioning service provider will be able to help you determine a ventilation system that will work best for your home.
While air pollution is becoming a bigger problem outside in our environment, indoor air pollution is a whole other issue that needs to be tackled. Fortunately, improving your home’s IAQ isn’t particularly difficult. By following tips like these shared here, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable home that supports your family’s health.