Did you know the air inside your home can be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside? It’s true!
A shocking 90% of our time is spent indoors, exposing us to dust mites, allergens, pollutants, and even emissions from household appliances. These hidden threats negatively impact our health, contributing to respiratory problems, allergies, and even cardiovascular issues.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Recent studies by the World Health Organisation reveal that 3.8 million deaths globally are attributed to poor indoor air quality, highlighting the crucial need for action.
Fortunately, with simple and effective adjustments, you can transform your home into a clean-air oasis and breathe easily.
This article unveils a treasure trove of practical tips and insights, empowering you to join the fight against polluted air. From basic changes to strategic investments, we’ll guide you through proven measures to combat common air quality concerns and create a healthier, more breathable living environment for you and your loved ones.
Ready to ditch the sniffles and embrace refreshing, invigorating air? Let’s begin our journey towards a cleaner, healthier home, one deep breath at a time!
Ventilation
One of the most fundamental steps to improve air quality is proper ventilation. Regularly open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. This helps remove indoor pollutants and ensures a constant flow of clean air.
Additionally, consider installing and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to eliminate pollutants generated during cooking or bathing.
Indoor plants
Introducing houseplants is a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance air quality. Certain plants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, have air-purifying properties.
Here’s the list of low-maintenance, humidity-enhancing helpers to consider:
- Snake Plant: This architectural beauty thrives on neglect, tolerates low light, and is known for removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Spider Plant: A cascading champion, the spider plant effortlessly removes common household toxins like xylene and formaldehyde while adding a touch of whimsy.
- Peace Lily: This elegant flower thrives in moderate light and humidity, removing benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene while boasting elegant white blooms.
- Gerbera Daisy: Brighten your space with vibrant blooms while improving air quality. Gerberas remove benzene and trichloroethylene, thriving in bright, indirect light.
- English Ivy: This trailing vine loves humidity and tackles formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene while adding a cascading touch to shelves or hanging baskets.
These plants can absorb pollutants and improve indoor air quality by releasing oxygen. Strategically placing these plants in different rooms can contribute to a healthier living space.
Control humidity
Maintaining optimal humidity levels is crucial for preventing the growth of mould and dust mites. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30-50%. In damp areas, consider using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels.
By controlling humidity, you can create an environment that is less favourable for allergens and respiratory irritants.
Air purifiers
Investing in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can significantly improve indoor air quality. These devices are designed to capture and remove airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants.
HEPA filters are renowned for their ability to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mould spores, smoke, and even some bacteria and viruses.
Place air purifiers in key areas of your home to ensure comprehensive coverage, especially in bedrooms and living spaces where you spend the most time.
Regularly change filters
Regularly changing the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for maintaining good air quality.
Clean filters prevent the circulation of dust, allergens, and other particles throughout your home.
Check and replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance.
Choose Low-VOC products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by some household products, including paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives to minimise the release of harmful chemicals into the air.
Opt for low-VOC or water-based paints that emit fewer fumes. Look for certifications like Green Seal or LEED-compliant.
Ditch harsh chemical cleaners and embrace natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. Many eco-friendly brands offer effective cleaning solutions with minimal VOCs.
Avoid air fresheners and scented candles. They often contain harmful fragrances and chemicals. Instead, use essential oil diffusers with natural oils or open windows for fresh air circulation.
Properly maintain boilers
Regular maintenance of your boiler is essential to ensure its efficiency and prevent the release of harmful gases. A well-maintained boiler produces fewer pollutants, contributing to a cleaner indoor environment.
If your boiler is older and inefficient, replacing it with a newer, low-emission model can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality.
The bigger your house is, the more powerful your boiler should be. Even the best boiler for a 3-bedroom house won’t suit bigger houses.
So to compensate for its smaller size, the boiler will run at a higher capacity, potentially exceeding its recommended operating range. This can lead to increased emissions of various pollutants, further deteriorating indoor air quality.
Consulting a qualified heating engineer can help determine the appropriate boiler size and recommend solutions to maintain optimal air quality and heating efficiency.
Natural cleaning products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can negatively affect indoor air quality. Switching to eco-friendly and natural cleaning alternatives reduces the exposure to these harmful substances.
Look for products with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the environment and your health. Alternatively, you can make them yourself:
- Harness the power of vinegar: This versatile powerhouse tackles grease, grime, and even mould naturally. Use a diluted solution for countertops, appliances, and windows. Add essential oils like lavender or orange for a pleasant scent.
- Baking soda, your cleaning companion: This gentle abrasive works wonders on ovens, sinks, and even carpets. Make a paste with water for scrubbing or sprinkle it on surfaces and vacuum for deodorising.
- Lemon juice, nature’s disinfectant: Its natural acidity cuts through grease and disinfects surfaces. Use it diluted on cutting boards, countertops, and even stainless steel appliances.
As you see, creating a home with excellent air quality is a gradual process that involves adopting simple yet effective practices.
By focusing on ventilation, introducing indoor plants, controlling humidity, investing in air purifiers, choosing low-VOC products, maintaining boilers, using natural cleaning products, and regularly changing filters, you can significantly enhance the air quality in your living space.
These basic tips contribute not only to a healthier home but also to improving overall well-being for you and your family.
