Maintaining good air quality in your home should not be an afterthought. It has a far-reaching effect on the health, comfort, and overall well-being of the occupants. Unfortunately, air quality in homes and offices is far worse than outdoor air quality. The American Lung Association notes that the air inside a building can be 2-5 times or even 100 times more polluted.
The reasons may vary, from indoor fumes to dirty air conditioner filters. However, homeowners often search for “AC repair near me” only when their air conditioner fails to cool their space. That’s just one mistake you can make because many homeowners unknowingly do things that degrade indoor air quality.
In this article, we will list the ones that may be ruining the air quality in your home and must be avoided.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Ventilation
The US Environmental Protection Agency highlights the importance of proper ventilation for indoor spaces. Millions of people fall sick and thousands are hospitalized annually in the US due to respiratory viruses. Good ventilation can keep them at bay and curb the spread of respiratory diseases.
Without adequate airflow, pollutants such as dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), moisture, and carbon monoxide can accumulate indoors. Eventually, as they build up, they may cause unpleasant odors, skin irritations, and breathing difficulties. They may even exacerbate asthma or bronchitis symptoms.
Everyday activities like cooking and showering can cause extensive harm. They produce moisture and promote mold growth if not vented. This can further worsen air quality. An effective ventilation system circulates fresh outdoor air into your space and clears out stale, polluted air. Consider investing in exhaust fans and air exchangers to maintain ample circulation.
Mistake #2: Not Changing Air Filters Regularly
Air filters in HVAC systems can be a culprit you may never suspect. Over time, they trap airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Eventually, they lose effectiveness and can even circulate pollutants when they become clogged and dirty. Your space becomes a haven for allergens.
Steel T Home Services recommends changing your air filters every 1-3 months to maintain the indoor air quality. Air conditioning professionals should be trusted for the job. You may want to save a few dollars with DIY but experts are better equipped for the job.
Consider changing the filters monthly if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty or polluted area. Also, opt for filters with an appropriate rating according to your system. This ensures better filtration and a cleaner and healthier environment.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Dampness and Leaks
According to the World Health Organization, dampness inside a building can affect the quality of indoor air. This happens because when sufficient moisture is available, hundreds of bacteria and fungi species can thrive. They lead to microbial pollution, which is one of the core elements of indoor air pollution.
Dampness is often caused by leaks, poor ventilation, or inadequate heating. Damp walls and surfaces emit musty odors. Even worse, they may release spores that can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues, particularly in children and the elderly.
Ignoring dampness is a big mistake as it can affect your health and damage your home’s structure. Address leaks promptly, improve ventilation, and use anti-mold treatments to prevent damp-related air quality problems. Regular inspections and moisture control help maintain a dry, healthy indoor environment.
Mistake #4: Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
The Environmental Working Group published a peer review highlighting the health risks of common household cleaners. In fact, they emit a large number of hazardous chemicals that cause silent harm. The ones laced with chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can deteriorate the quality of indoor air.
VOCs and other harmful chemicals irritate the respiratory system, cause headaches, and worsen allergies or asthma. Strong disinfectants, air fresheners, and certain candles are common yet unexpected offenders.
To reduce indoor chemical pollution, switch to green or natural cleaning products with fewer toxic ingredients. Read the label carefully and choose wisely. Always use chemicals in well-ventilated areas and store them properly to minimize exposure. Managing VOCs can help you maintain good indoor air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if the air in my home is toxic?
Telltale signs of toxic indoor air include sudden headaches, nausea, or dizziness. You may even experience breathing difficulties. These symptoms often improve when you leave and return when you come back. Visible mold, musty odors, high humidity, leaks, or poor ventilation are other red flags to watch out for.
How to test air quality at home?
You can test home air quality using indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors. These devices measure pollutants like VOCs, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. If you fear specific toxins such as radon or mold, consider specialized tests or professional assessments. Monitoring helps identify pollution patterns and guides corrective actions.
Can plants help improve indoor air quality?
Yes, many plants are acclaimed for cleansing the indoor air and improving its quality. Peace lily, snake plant, aloe vera, pothos, and spider plant are a few good options. You can place them in pots around your living space. Besides purifying the air, they enhance the aesthetics and bring positivity.
Indoor air quality significantly impacts your health and comfort, yet you may miss out on the basics of keeping it on point. The good thing is while these mistakes can unknowingly compromise it, they are easy to avoid. Commit to steering clear of them to maintain a fresh and healthy living space.