IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality. Air pollution and rising temperatures negatively affect the quality of the air you breathe, and it’s not just outside either.
Outdoors, this phenomenon may be exacerbated by smoke, carbon dioxide, waste, and toxic fumes. However, pollution is also an indoor problem brought about by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and pollen, which can all cause respiratory problems. Here are a few ways to get rid of pollutants and boost your indoor air quality.
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1. Improve home ventilation
Ventilation improves the airflow around your home. Keep your windows and screen doors open in the daytime to promote better circulation. For places like the kitchen where heat and fumes are frequent, open windows to help freshen the indoor air quality.
Moreover, don’t hang wet clothes inside the house. Doing so can increase moisture inside your home by close to 30%. That’s bad as it could lead to a mould issue.
Instead, try drying your laundry outside instead to keep indoor humidity at a moderate level, encouraging the free movement of air.
You can also improve ventilation by placing a fan or two in various rooms around the house. Install specialized equipment such as vents and extractors too if you’re serious about getting rid of excess heat and moisture.
2. Use indoor air filters
Air filters can also help boost IAQ. They are designed to remove impurities that worsen the quality of indoor air.
They’re super easy to use too. Get one or more portable air filters and place them in various rooms around the house.
A good choice is a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter. Here’s an example of a Colza Air Purifier with HEPA air filter for up to a 600 square-foot area, such as a bedroom:
Also, think about getting a carbon filtration system that absorbs not only dust but also toxic gases.
Ensure you change the filters regularly so the device functions efficiently. If you have an HVAC system, consider upgrading its filtration system to improve the indoor air within your entire residence from a central point.
3. Balance humidity of indoor air
When the humidity level in your home is too low, the air becomes dry. On the other hand, high humidity will dampen the air and promote microbial activity.
Ideally, maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50% inside your home. This tip can prevent the accumulation of mold and dust mites.
In the winter months, when the air is cool, you can move your plants indoors to increase the humidity. The plants will also emit oxygen and absorb any excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For ease, use a home dehumidifier to automatically control humidity.
The final IAQ tip
4. Reduce VOC usage
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that become gases at room temperature. Common places inside homes where they are present are:
- Household cleaning fluids
- Paint
- Beauty products like nail polish
- New furniture
To eradicate VOCs from your home, limit your usage. Use VOC-free or low-VOC products.
Then dispose of their empty containers at designated centers for potentially harmful materials. If you cannot avoid using these products, store them in a cool, dry place, away from general reach to prevent leaks, spills, or child consumption. In addition, properly ventilate after using VOCs to encourage all of the toxic fumes to escape.
Cleaning your home helps too. Using a damp cloth or mop, wipe the floors and other surfaces to get rid of dust, animal hair, and other potential allergens.
Follow these IAQ tips and watch the quality of your indoor air improve tremendously. Do you think about the state of the air inside your house?
You convinced me to get an air freshener to circulate air. It has to make a difference in the air quality and one’s mood.
Oh I do hope it helps you! xx
Great tips, Christy, plus a perfect excuse to get more house plants. (Not that I needed that.) Thanks for sharing.
Haha you’re a plant lover at heart by the sounds of it, Amy :)
Great post, Christy! Practical and do-able! Thanks for the info!
I love making things doable :D Thanks Judith xx
Fantastic post Christy <3
Awe xo
xx
Awesome
Thankyou
Hope you’re having a nice start to the week, Brigitte
Not bad at all Christy
Hope yours is going well
Helpful!
Thanks Rae :)
Hey, I just saves this! it was really useful, especially using the plants for humidity! thanks for sharing this.
So pleased you’ve found value in this post!
Christy, thanks for sharing! Love all your heart shares! God bless!
Blessings to you too, Wendell! Your poems are so special.