Breathing Cleaner Air at Home

Unfortunately, the air inside averagehomes is not as clean as most people would like to believe. Basic air quality testing will reveal this. Houses are open systems and constantly get all kinds of dangerous particles from dirt brought with the shoes to pollen coming from plants and carried by the air. This, however, does not mean that you cannot breathe clean air inside. You simply have to take a set of important measures for improvement.

Achieving High Home Indoor Air Quality

You should start from the basics. Regular cleaning of all floors, hard surfaces and upholstery is essential. It is best if you use a vacuum with powerful suction and a HEPA filter so that even the tiniest allergens such as pollen can be picked up and removed. Hard floors, in particular, should be mopped as well. Steam cleaning is also a good idea, especially for high-traffic areas. In general, you may want to choose flooring which is less prone to dust and dirt accumulation, especially if you have small kids.

The ventilation system of your house carries air contaminants around. They accumulate inside it over time and get pumped back into the rooms constantly. For this reason, regular air duct cleaning is of great importance as well. This should be an integral part of the maintenance of the HVAC system of the house. It is important to note that air filter replacement and the cleaning of the ductwork are not substitutes for one another. Both of these tasks are essential for keeping the indoor air free from contaminants. This is because even the best filter cannot capture all potentially dangerous particles.

You should do everything necessary to reduce mold growth inside the house and inside the HVAC system as well. This contaminant is very dangerous as it can cause allergies and make respiratory symptoms worse. It is best to have the house inspected for the presence of damp surfaces and mold growth. In places where there is no natural light UV cleansers are used for destroying this type of fungus. It is equally important for the surfaces to be sanitized so that future growth is prevented. All sources of moisture such as roof leaks have to be eliminated. If there is a high level of moisture inside the rooms, you may also consider setting up a dehumidifier.

The things that you do inside your house and in the garden are also important for indoor air quality. You must use only safe cleaners, fertilizers and pesticides that do not pollute the air. You should have everyone take off their shoes in the mudroom. The setting of door mats can help as well. If you have a cat or a dog, regular grooming is essential for preventing excessive air contamination with pet dander and hair. Avoid smoking indoors.