Indoor air quality is crucial if you want to create a healthy and comfortable interior space. Having fresh indoor air can minimize your reaction to allergens or respiratory issues. We are especially sensitive in our homes.
That’s because stale air can increase the number of allergens from dust mites, mold spores, and dander wafting in your interior. And in terms of comfort, clean air makes for a more relaxing interior space. So, if you live in a place where there is no flow of fresh air from outside, here are some things you can do to ensure clean airflow throughout your home.
- Use cooking vents
You’ll be surprised how many indoor pollutants come from your cooking alone. And if you have no fresh air flow from outside, all these pollutants rest in your interior space, causing respiratory issues over time and triggering your allergies. Gas stoves are notorious for releasing harmful contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide (did you know we had a gas leak in our brand new home under our gas stove? Your city’s gas company will come out for free to check and fix it, so don’t hesitate to make the call!).
Even if you use electric burners, you’re not entirely safe, as they can also produce some pollutants, including some harmful particles that can quickly find their way into your bloodstream.
So, install cooking vents if you don’t have one in your kitchen. And whenever you cook, you should ensure that your vents are turned on to prevent pollutants from filling your indoor space.
- Change your filters and have them cleaned!
If your interior space relies on an HVAC system for forced air, then be sure to change your filters as often as possible. How often you should change your filters depends on several factors, such as the number of occupants in your home, the number of pets, allergies, etc. But some signs can prompt you that it’s time to change your filters. For example, if your AC unit heats up too often, it takes longer to cool your home, if you notice an increase in your energy bills, if the filter looks clogged or dirty, and when you notice dirt or dust around the vents.
You can hire a professional to change your filters and have your ducts cleaned where necessary. And in case of any malfunctioning, be sure to get your AC repaired or replaced by an experienced HVAC company. We had a UV light installed when we got our vents cleaned this past year (2022) and its been a game changer for our allergies and indoor air quality.
- Invest in an air purifier
You may be allergic to some indoor allergens but unwilling to get rid of the problem or cannot control it. For example, you live with a family pet you cannot get rid of, yet the pet’s dander is causing you many allergic issues. An excellent solution is to invest in an air purifier, especially if there are not enough windows in your home. An air purifier can quickly trap or capture those particles or irritants that may trigger those allergic reactions.
- Consider indoor plants
If you cannot invest in an air purifier, you can consider getting some indoor plants instead. Plants are noted for their ability to clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Plants can also remove minute amounts of airborne toxins, helping keep your indoor space fresh.
