So you want to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath at home. But a variety of pollutants can be lurking in your home from tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners, paints, and furniture, not to mention pet dander and mold. Understanding which of these exists in your home is a good step in the right direction of getting them under control so you can breathe easier.
And believe it or not, there are some simple things you can do here to breathe better. Something as simple as opening windows and doors occasionally to allow fresh air in and pollutants to escape can be a great way to lower your exposure to harmful pollutants in the home. Additionally, while they can be a little loud, using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms helps remove moisture and pollutants generated from cooking and other activities. If you like to keep a clean house, considering using alternatives to cleaning supplies such as baking soda and vinegar-based solutions can also keep your house clean while eliminating harmful pollutants. In fact, just regularly dusting, vacuuming, and mopping can greatly improve the quality of air in your home.
There are a few more inexpensive ways you can control and improve the air quality in your home. Changing air filters regularly is a good start and investing in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can be even more effective in removing airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. These filters are efficient at adsorbing odors, chemicals, and VOCs. Electronic air purifiers, such as ionizers, can help neutralize and remove microscopic particles from the air as well. If you can take care of them, adding greenery and plants in your home is a natural way of purifying the air as the plans will absorb the carbon dioxide and release oxygen into your home. Also, while scented candles can make your home smell nice, they are contributing harmful pollutants to the air, so try using a steamer with essential oils or potpourris instead. Even the furniture in your home can emit unwanted pollutants so as you add home items consider opting for eco-friendly options that are free of harmful chemicals and paints. Of course ensuring that you get your HVAC serviced every year can also help to ensure that clean air is flowing optimally throughout your home. Be sure to schedule your HVAC servicing appointment early as they can book up fast even during the shoulder seasons!
Improving air quality in your home can prevent sickness and improve your quality of life considerably for you and all your family members so take a few moments to assess how you can put these tips into practice.
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