It is fair to say that we have heard and seen a lot about the impact of air pollution on our health in the last few years, with traffic-clogged cities, private jets and power stations being the primary culprits. But research suggests that the level of air pollutants in our homes can be two to five times higher than outside – even in the most industrialised cities. Exposure to air pollution can lead to a number of health problems, such as aggravated asthma, stroke and lung cancer. Our guide will explain how to improve the air quality in your home.
10 Ways to Improve Air Quality
By making some simple changes, you can reduce air pollutants and breathe cleaner air in your home. Here are some tips to keep you breathing easy throughout the year.
1. Open Your Windows
One of the easiest ways to remove pollutants from the air is by opening the windows in your living space. Letting in fresh air can help to remove polluting particles, especially in the winter when humidity is high.
It is worth noting that, in some cases, opening the window can worsen indoor air quality. For example, if you live near a busy road, it makes sense to keep your windows closed during rush hour. Similarly, if you live near a train station, a motorway or an industrial plant, it is wise to be strategic about when you open and close your windows. On top of that, you should keep your living space well-ventilated when using cleaning and decorating products. After all, these products can be chemically heavy and affect your air quality.
2. Dust Your Home
Dust, pollen and pet hair can quickly build up in your home and aggravate your respiratory system. That is why it is important to dust and vacuum regularly.
Underneath the bed and sofa can become breeding grounds for dust, leaving you exposed to unsanitary air. It makes sense to vacuum these areas as regularly as you can too. To get rid of stubborn particles, clean surfaces with a damp cloth.
3. Turn On Your Extractor Fan
To clear the air of grease, smoke and other ingredients that have evaporated, use your cooker hood and extractor fan whilst you are cooking. Extracting hoods are much more effective than recirculating models. This is because they send the air out of your home as opposed to recirculating it inside your kitchen. It is also wise to regularly clean and change the filter.
Not to mention, extractor fans are useful to have in the bathroom, as they help to pull moisture out of the room, preventing spores of mould from growing.
4. Switch to Greener Cleaning Products
Many shop-bought cleaning products contain ingredients that are toxic to breathe in. But the good news is that there are a number of eco-friendly cleaning products that can cut through grease and grime just as well without using harmful chemicals. Many of these products are fragrance-free and contain food-grade ingredients. If you are struggling to find greener cleaning supplies, look for products that are approved by Allergy UK or are certified organic.
Equally, household products like baking soda and white vinegar work wonders for stains and smells. Plus, simply using cream cleaners instead of sprays and aerosols can make a world of difference.
5. Tackle Damp and Mould
Research suggests that exposure to mould can increase the risk of asthma in adults over the age of 50. To prevent damp and mould:
- Open your windows if you are hanging washing indoors
- Try to dry your wet washing in the dryer or on an outdoor clothesline
- Do not hang your clothes directly on the radiator and use a clothes airer instead
- Avoid drying clothes in your bedroom
- Dry your clothes in the sunniest spot in your home
- Never put damp clothes back in your wardrobe
- Keep the door shut when taking a hot shower
- Always cover your cooking pans
If you are struggling to control the humidity in your home, consider investing in air conditioning to help you manage the temperature and encourage humidity levels to drop.
6. Avoid Blocking Existing Ventilation
When windows and doors are closed, trickle vents on windows and air bricks help to moderate the indoor temperature and allow air to circulate naturally. This helps to reduce condensation and prevents pollutants from building up in your space. However, if you block these ventilation features, pollutants cannot escape.
You may also want to reconsider making changes to your home, such as double glazing, cavity walls and roof insulation. Although these measures can make your home more energy-efficient, they can also make your house overly airtight.
7. Avoid Using Vent-Free Appliances
Free-standing gas and paraffin heaters may be convenient to install and use but it is important to keep in mind that they can release harmful pollutants. Even if your gas heater is burning properly, it will emit some carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. As carbon dioxide builds up, it can make your home feel stuffy and closed.
8. Avoid Using Wood Burning Stoves
It is advisable to avoid using a wood-burning stove, especially if you have a condition like asthma that puts you at a greater risk. After all, research shows that when burners are used for four hours, the level of harmful particles in the home rises by up to 195 micrograms per cubic metre of air.
If you decide to use your burner, it is recommended that you only use wood that is labelled as ‘ready to burn’. This wood is untreated, fully dried and has a moisture content of 20% or less. It is also a good idea to regularly clean the flue and chimney to allow the smoke to escape.
9. Do Not Smoke Inside
It goes without saying that smoking can put your health at risk. But if you smoke inside, it can also impact your loved ones. In fact, smoke can linger for up to 5 hours and spread from room to room. Simply opening the window or the front door will not get rid of the smoke. In most cases, the smoke will blow back inside and stick to your furniture to be released later. That is why it is wise to only smoke outside and move away from your home.
10. Invest in Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can help to reduce the level of air pollutants you breathe in. Many air conditioners have high-quality filtration systems, which filter out pollutants like dust, pollen, odours and even cigarette smoke. This helps to improve the air quality in your home and ensures that you have a constant supply of clean air.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With PRA
Now that you know how to improve the air quality in your home, it is time to deal with the problem at its source. It also makes sense to invest in solutions that help you keep pollutants in check. Air conditioning will help to clean the air in your home, which will make it easier for you to keep your space clean and pollutant-free.
At PRA Air Conditioning, we will help you find the right air conditioning solution for your residential, commercial or industrial space. Not to mention, our experienced engineers excel at servicing units and ensuring that filters are up-to-date. This will provide you with the peace of mind that your unit is removing as many particulates from the air as possible. Simply get in touch with us today to improve your indoor air quality.