Air is life. And it’s something we take for granted from day to day, but air quality is crucial for good health. Poor quality air is responsible for a wealth of health problems such as respiratory illness, heart disease, and even some cancers. It can also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma and COPD. So, how can you ensure the air in your home is pure and clean?
Open Windows/Drying
Ventilating your home will keep fresh air circulating, which naturally improves air quality. It helps get rid of cooking smells and pollutants common indoors. The most important reason to ventilate the home is that it reduces the moisture that hangs about. Too much moisture can lead to the growth of mold, which is hazardous to health. The problem starts with damp patches of the wall and, if left untreated, can cause serious problems with mold.
If you don’t open enough windows, humidity levels rise and become the perfect environment for dust mites. Dust mites are not our friends and can cause serious skin conditions as well, adding to asthma sufferers’ misery.
It’s particularly important to open windows in bathrooms during showers so the moisture is drawn outside. If you don’t have a window in the bathroom, invest in a good-quality bathroom extractor that will draw moisture away and eliminate it.
It’s difficult to know the best way to dry clothes in the winter, but try to avoid hanging wet washing throughout your home, especially if it’s warm. Wet clothing will create moisture that will be absorbed into the walls and air, causing air quality to drop. If finances allow you to invest in a tumble dryer, it’s a much better option for the winter.
For homes that are prone to damp due to high moisture levels, you could consider investing in fresh air devices such as humidifiers to help remove excess moisture from the air in your home. It uses a fan that moves over cooled coils and is very effective. If you or a family member suffers from health issues that are made worse by a damp environment, a dehumidifier is a good investment. Make sure to check out https://freshairdevices.com/ in choosing the right dehumidifier.
Regular Maintenance
It’s important to fix any leaks in the home, especially ones that result in water leaking where they shouldn’t. Water damage, if not dealt with properly, will without doubt cause mold to grow. This can cause a nasty smell throughout the house. The high level of toxicity can cause headaches, dizziness, tiredness as well as more serious issues, as mentioned earlier. If you can’t fix leaks yourself, call in a qualified plumber before the problem gets worse. If the mold has got out of control, you may need to call in the services of a professional mold remediator.
In addition, when cleaning the house, try to stick to natural and organic products. Some products are rife with harsh chemicals that can cause damage and, if used excessively, will lower the air quality throughout your home. There are plenty of natural alternatives on the market, so investigate and look at reviews for the best choice.
Go Smoke-Free
It’s a known fact that smoke is seriously damaging if breathed inconsistently. Harmful chemicals can lodge deep into the lungs and cause lasting damage to the vulnerable. The only way to completely prevent this is to go smoke-free and never smoke in the house. However, it isn’t just cigarette smoke that poses a risk; smoke from cooking can hang around in the air and affect the lungs in poorly ventilated homes. Using an extractor fan when cooking will mitigate this and ensure that smoke is taken away rather than ingested.
If you or a member of the family suffers from a serious lung condition, then it is well worth using foods that require minimal cooking. Stock up non-perishable foods and limit the amount of times you boil, steam or fry. There are many products on the market that you can use to reduce smoke during cooking and thus improve the air quality in your home.
The Right Heating
Most houses today are fitted with central gas heating and are the most common and cost-effective. However, it isn’t the best for indoor air quality, so if you or a member of the family suffers from a respiratory problem, it’s worth considering changing to electric heating. Although more costly, it doesn’t burn any fuel, which greatly reduces indoor air pollution. The dry heat also helps prevent condensation and the buildup of mold due to the dry heat it generates.
The same goes for open fires. As cozy as it is to sit in front of a log fire, it is terrible for people’s lungs and those with disorders; even inhaling a small amount can cause irritation and discomfort. So do away with the log burner and purify the air with an alternative.
Making an effort to keep the air clean and pure will be beneficial for the whole family and ensure your home is a safe and comforting space.
