We spend more time indoors that we do outside these days, so it’s very important to maintain excellent air quality inside the home and minimize air pollution. Air pollution can come in many forms, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), off-gassing from new furniture or carpets, road pollution, mould, dust or simply due to the residence not getting enough fresh air circulating around the house. The key to beating the airbourne pollutants is by knowing what things to look for that may indicate you have an air quality problem in your home.
1. Allergies
If you’re experiencing coughing, sneezing, a runny nose or other allergy-related symptoms at home, but nowhere else, this can be an indicator of dust, pollen and other irritants such as VOCs in your air. Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter and be sure to vacuum thoroughly, air out the house by opening windows and doors regularly.
2. Cold spots
If one spot in your house is colder or warmer than other areas without reason, it may be that there isn’t enough circulation and air flow in your home, and this can cause stagnant air that can irritate your senses.
3. Dried out indoor plans or lots of static electricity
Plants that are drying out quickly, peeling wallpaper and lots of static electricity can be indicators that your home has very low humidity levels, which can in turn increase your likelihood of picking up cold, having dry skin and irritated eyes.
4. Your home has a ‘smell’
While some people say they love the smell of home, sometimes that smell isn’t altogether pleasant. If your home has developed a bit of a smell that becomes obvious when windows or doors are closed, it might be time to address the issue.
5. There’s construction or landscaping works going on
If you live in a neighbourhood that has lots of construction or significant landscaping works underway, you may find that the air quality in your home has been compromised. Many air conditioning units draw air from the outside and push it indoors, carrying with it all the microscopic dust particles from the building sites. If this is the case for you, consider buying an air purifier.
How can you improve your air quality?
Improving air quality is a relatively easy task to complete. Simply use a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter, open your windows and doors to air out your home often and regularly, dust often so dust mites can’t set up shop in your home, and allow brand new furniture, mattresses, carpet and fabric to air out in the sun outdoors for 24 hours before putting them inside, as they can off-gas VOCs.
Other ways to improve air quality are investing in air-purifying houseplants, buying an air-purifier, cleaning with non-toxic all-natural products, keeping your pets well-groomed and increase the ventilation in your home.
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