Improve Air Quality

You can protect yourself and your family by properly ventilating your home. Good ventilation decreases the build-up of harmful compounds that can affect your health. You can do this simply by periodically opening windows, using window fans or by using window air conditioning units. Exhaust fans, outdoor-vented fans and air filtration systems are excellent ways to keep air flowing in and out of the house. These will also help create an energy-efficient, healthy and comfortable home environment.

Clean frequently. This may seem like a no-brainer — after all, many people clean their homes routinely, especially if they are having company. But a clean home is about more than keeping up appearances; thoroughly cleaning your home prevents the build-up of the allergens and irritants that can make a home unhealthy. Vacuuming carpets, dusting surfaces and drapes all cut down on dust mites, pet dander and other harmful particles.

Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells of humans and animals. Though they're invisible to the naked eye, they produce feces that are harmful when inhaled. To reduce the number of these pests, clean your bedclothes weekly, keep your pets off of furniture and decrease your home's humidity level with a dehumidifier.

Avoid using dusters when dusting. These only push particles around. Instead, use a damp cloth to pick up dust without stirring it into the air.

Helpful Tip

Wear a dust mask when vacuuming and dusting. This will prevent you from breathing in any harmful particles being spread around in the air.

Damp areas like shower stalls and tubs in your bathroom or other areas need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a spray cleaner formulated to fight mold and mildew and a heavy-duty sponge to tackle your shower and tub regularly.

The filters for your home's HVAC system don't take long to fill up with dust and other particles that you don't want to breathe in. The more often you change the filter, the fewer harmful particles will be circulating through your vents. A new filter also keeps your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.

Helpful Tip

Invest in a high-quality filter. They cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for. The more opaque the mesh of fibers is in the filter, the better it will remove particles from the air. If you can see through the filter, it won't do the job as well.

Indoor plants naturally filter the air by using the particles and elements that they need and converting them to fresh air. In the process, the plant absorbs any contaminants in the air. Check with your local nursery or other horticultural expert to see which plants are best for your house and the air you breathe inside of it.

Smoking indoors has been banned in public buildings in many towns and cities across the country due to health concerns from secondhand smoke and the residue tobacco smoke leaves behind. Your house should be no different if you don't want toxic substances adhering to your walls, furniture and clothing. If you or a guest wants to smoke, go outside. You'll be taking one more step to fresher, healthier air in your home.

Now you're on your way to better air quality inside your home. Take a deep breath and enjoy.