The quality of the air in your home is determined by a few factors–mainly your home’s HVAC system. All indoor air has the opportunity to become polluted–especially this time of year when mold growth is rampant and allergens are on the move.
You might notice low indoor air quality through strange smells, a heavier than normal feeling, or worst of all, poor respiratory health in you and your family.
Follow these tips to improve the quality of the air in your home:
Deep Clean Rugs and Carpets
Dust is one of the biggest contaminates of IAQ–just ask someone with seasonal allergies! Keeping your home clean is important, especially your carpets and rugs. Also pay close attention to drapes, blankets, and other areas that might attract dust or haven’t been cleaned in a while.
Plants: The Good and The Bad
Certain plants like ferns or peace lilies are popular for filtering the air in your home. While it is true that many plants are helpful air purifiers, without the right watering or drainage, they can be the perfect home for mold growth as well. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, be aware that if not properly cared for, indoor plants can cause as much harm as they do good.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Some people don’t have the time or interest in keeping plants in their home, or they might have concerns about small children or pets. Either way, an air purifier is a great solution to clean the air in your home–plants or no plants. Place it in the most commonly used areas of your home. Air purifiers won’t completely rid your home of airborne allergens or VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) but they will reduce them.
Control the Humidity
Especially in Minnesota, winter is a dry season, and many people invest in a humidifier to combat itchy skin and dehydration. Now that it is spring, it’s time to put them away. Melting ice and snow add moisture to the air, and the cycle of freezing and thawing ground can trap this extra moisture, leading to mold growth. If you don’t already have one, invest in a gauge to read the humidity levels in your home. It may even be a good idea to purchase a dehumidifier for especially damp areas of your home like the basement.
Change Your Air Filters
It’s part of the spring-cleaning routine for homeowners to change out filters. The air conditioner is probably the one most people think of since summer will soon be on its way. Don’t forget about other filters in your home. Commonly used household appliances like the vacuum, your dryer, and kitchen vents should be checked and cleaned or replaced as well.
Consider Your Insulation
The insulation in your home might be making a difference in your indoor air quality. Poor insulation can result in drafts and shoddy seals, letting pollutants and allergens in your home. Most new homes are choosing spray foam insulation because they create a better seal, keep out more air pollutants, and lower utility costs for homeowners. If you’d like to learn more about spray foam insulation services from RetroGreen, click here.
Spring is an exciting time, trees are budding, the grass is turning green, and the temperature is rising. Because of the Coronavirus outbreak and resulting quarantine orders, the indoor air quality in your home is more important than ever. Follow a few of these tips–and don’t forget to wash your hands!