Improve Indoor Air Quality with These Simple Tips!
When the issue of pollution comes up in any forum most property owners associate it with the outdoor environment. However, you will be shocked to know that indoor levels of pollution are 5 times more than outdoor levels according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Now, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHREA) say humans spend 90% of their days indoors which highlights the need for the best indoor air quality (IAQ). In the same breath, EPA has listed indoor air pollution among the top five environmental hazards.
This makes it imperative for every homeowner to learn a few ideas on improving the IAQ in their properties. Here are a few tips:
1. Capitalize on Natural Air
This is the most obvious tip yet the most ignored. If you want to get rid of pollutants, then open the windows for 5 to 10 minutes daily. The fact that EPA reckons your indoor is more polluted than the outdoors proves that your house is better off receiving fresh air from the outside.
2. Minimize Chemical Pollutants
The top polluters indoors are indeed innocuous looking. For instance consider washing detergents and air fresheners. It is advisable to go for low-emission products during your shopping. Look for certification by standard bodies such as GREENGUARD and GREENSEAL. You should also avoid paint stripping, smoking, painting among other activities which increase chemical emissions indoors.
3. Clean on Your Floors
Your floors are a reservoir for pollutants and need to be vacuumed and mopped regularly. Make sure all the dirt is sucked into the vacuum cleaner to avoid blowing pollutants into the air. You should also use mats outside every entrance into your home to keep dirt out.
4. Proper ventilation
This is a no-brainer and in fact any home that has an efficient HVAC system will always enjoy better indoor air quality. Such a unit must be regularly checked to ensure filters are working. The system must also be placed at vantage points to ensure more efficiency in eliminating pollutants.
5. Ensure Health Levels of Humidity
High levels of moisture pose great risks to your family. Not only do they encourage bacteria to thrive but also support toxic mold growth. The best technique is to use a dehumidifier or any other system that helps reduce humidity level indoors. Optimal humidity levels are 30% to 50% and you should use an automatic unit to ensure these are maintained.
Other ideas include avoiding synthetic fresheners, use of air-filtering plants, air drying of clothes, regular chimney checks among others. Whatever you do, make sure you are proactive in promoting healthy indoor air quality. It makes your home a delight to stay in while also keeping your family healthy.
Budget Dry is based in Killingworth, Connecticut and has been recognized as the areas leading basement waterproofing and foundation repair company.
We are passionate about providing the absolute best service to each home and homeowner we encounter, because we understand just how important your home is to you. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and use of cutting edge industry technology.
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