Learn these few simple ways to improve your home's indoor air quality!
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and immediately noticed a cornucopia of odors? Maybe you’ve even walked in and immediately started itching, sneezing, or experiencing watery eyes. How you react to someone’s home depends on your sensitivity and their specific indoor air quality.
Have you ever thought about what people experience when they walk into your home? Do you experience some type of reactionary symptoms when you come home? Read on to learn about some simple ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality!
There are many factors and daily habits that play into our home’s air quality. Factors like odors and toxins from cooking, pets, smoking, cleaning products, construction materials, and more. Here are 5 simple ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality:
Proper home ventilation is crucial for your home’s indoor air quality. You don’t need to go out and buy some fancy whole-house ventilation system to achieve the desired results. Take simple actions like running your bathroom exhaust fan when showering and turning on your range hood while cooking.
On weather-appropriate days, open your windows to let in fresh air, run ceiling fans, and keep your home’s air in motion. You should also be sure to regularly change your home’s HVAC air filter. Most systems require a change every 1-3 months but check your specific requirements.
This one seems obvious but regular cleaning is important to maximize your home’s indoor air quality. When you clean your home, be sure to dust furniture, window ledges, and ceiling fan blades. Sweep and mop your floors at least weekly or more frequently if you have pets or children.
If you have carpet or area rugs, be sure to vacuum them 1-2 times per week. Be cautious of what types of cleaning products you use. Many standard household cleaners contain exorbitant amounts of toxic chemicals. Some of these are known to cause cancer and a variety of other health conditions when you breathe in their fumes or touch them with your skin.
It’s best to choose all natural, planted-based cleaners as much as possible. Using standard cleaners with harsh chemicals removes one toxin out of your home only to replace it with another.
3. Humidity Control
Humidity control is essential, especially here in Ocala, FL and the surrounding areas. Because of our hot, humid climate, our Florida homes often become utopias for microbial growth. You should regularly run your air conditioner, especially during the summer months. Even when you’re out of town, aim to keep your thermostat set on 78F or below.
Your home’s HVAC system isn’t just a way to keep your home comfortable. It also acts as an air filter and moisture removal system. By keeping your house free of organic material like dust, and running your air conditioner regularly, you can keep humidity levels low and prevent microbial growth.
Aside from only using plant-based cleaning products, other ways you can remove toxins from your home is by using indoor plants like monsteras, spider plants, and peace lilies. These plants are known for their air purifying properties.
You can also have your home professionally treated with an ozone machine. Be sure to reach out to us if you would like a thorough treatment!
Lastly, one of the best ways to treat your home’s indoor air quality is to have it tested to determine what contaminants are present and in what concentrations. You can also install carbon monoxide detectors to detect potential harmful and invisible carbon monoxide gas. We will connect you with one of our partners if you would like testing.
If you are concerned about your home’s indoor air quality and you live in Ocala, FL, Gainesville, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, or the surrounding areas, our team is here to help you!
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