If you find yourself sneezing and coughing all day, then your indoor air quality might be to blame. Ensuring that the air you are breathing is of good quality is not only a step you should take to guard your own health, but it can sometimes be a must if you have seniors or infants living under your roof. Since most of us rely on our AC units in summer to keep our houses breezy and cool, this may negatively affect our indoor air quality. Air quality problems usually go unnoticed, but if you are already suffering from a respiratory condition like asthma, these issues can be life-threatening.
To improve the air quality inside your house, try the following sustainable solutions.
Clean Your House
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people do not regularly clean their houses. We get it; cleaning is both boring and exhausting. However, your annual spring-cleaning spree is simply not enough to keep your house pristine. In most cases, dust is the main culprit behind poor indoor air quality woes. It accommodates many tiny organisms called dust mites that cause allergies and aggravate the symptoms of asthma patients. So, if you find yourself coughing or even wheezing for no apparent reason, it may be time to vacuum your house. Also, you should get rid of some of your carpets if your house is full of them, as they function as dust magnets. Once you do, you will find a noticeable improvement in your home’s air quality.
Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC unit has special filters that purify the air coming into the system from outside. When these filters are in good shape, you usually have nothing to worry about in terms of air quality. Nonetheless, problems arise when your HVAC filters become old and unable to purify the air properly. Experts often recommend that you change your filters every 6 months for the best results.
However, since HVAC units come in different sizes, some homeowners may not know what filter size to pick. If this is the case for you, checking out this URL can be a good place to start. Additionally, you can hire a professional to check whether your unit is functioning properly and to ensure the quality of the air you are breathing.
Add Greenery
Obviously, you will not be able to plant a tree inside your house. However, if you have a garden, adding more greenery can be a smart move. There are many great reasons to plant trees, but the most important of which is that they purify the air, release oxygen, and absorb carbon dioxide. Improving the quality of the air outside your house is bound to enhance it inside as well. By adding a few new trees in your garden, you can finally enjoy some clean air and eliminate any impurities you might be currently breathing in. On the other hand, if you do not have a garden or you simply do not want to invest time in planting new trees, you can purchase a few low-maintenance indoor plants instead. This will do a fine job as well.
Purchase a Purifier
If you have already cleaned your house, changed your AC filters, and added plants but are noticing no improvement, perhaps it is time for a more on-the-nose tactic. Air purifiers help create a healthy environment for you and your family by eliminating all the impurities suspended in the air. They make for a fantastic solution for individuals vulnerable to air quality problems, such as babies, elderly people, and asthma patients. Most air purifiers cost around $200, but they are extremely sustainable and cheap to operate since they do not consume much electricity.
Don’t Smoke Inside
This one should also be a given, but some people believe that cracking a window open while smoking inside eliminates the problem. Of course, this is simply wrong. No matter how careful you are, the smoke can spread throughout the house and impact the overall air quality. Not only does smoking inside make your house smell like an ashtray, but it also affects the health of those around you. So, if you are not willing to quit, take it outside at the very least.
Keeping the air inside your home fresh and clean should be your top priority. Luckily, some simple sustainable solutions will help you get rid of all your indoor air quality problems entirely. In fact, the solution can be as simple as airing your house or cleaning it regularly. Also, don’t disregard the importance of frequent HVAC check-ups and maintenance since there is a big chance that your unit is the main source of the problem.
