5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that the air in your office or home could have more pollution than the air outside? If you want to breathe easier – and safer – take a look at these five simple ways AC World recommends you work to improve your indoor air quality.

1. Keep your whole house clean

There are tons of benefits to having a clean house, including keeping your home free from allergens that can pollute your air. Simply dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis can help you improve the indoor air quality of your home dramatically. Investing in high-quality HEPA rated vacuums can be a big help, too.

2. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

The American Thoracic Society has completed a study that proves that when you use harsh household cleaners your chance of developing asthma is higher. This is true even if you only use them once a week. The simple solution is to switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that don’t have these harsh chemicals.

3. Don’t allow smoking in your home

At this point there are likely not many people who don’t understand that smoking leads to life threatening diseases like asthma and cancer – even for those who don’t smoke themselves. Smoking indoors ups your chance for contracting these diseases, and it can also lower the resale value of your home due to harsh chemicals left behind.

In fact, an investigation by the New York Times studied what’s known as third-hand smoke and find 11 carcinogenic compounds, including butane, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, toluene, lead, carbon monoxide, and polonium. These compounds can ruin your belongings and have a very negative impact on your indoor air quality.

4. Change your HVAC air filters

Can you remember the last time you changed your HVAC air filters? Energy Star’s official recommendation is to change them every month, or every three months if you use HEPA quality filters. Changing your filters regularly allows you to keep your indoor air quality at a positive level and insures that your heating and cooling system stays free of unnecessary debris and dirt.

5. Keep your humidity in check

When moisture is present, mold and dust mites will thrive. The best way to prevent this is to ensure healthy levels of humidity, which is generally considered to be between 30 and 50%. Levels between this range will keep allergens in control and help improve your indoor air quality. Both air conditioners and dehumidifiers can keep your humidity in check.