The 4 Ways to Keep Indoor Air Clean

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Outdoor air pollution has been on the rise for years, and it is enough to make you want to stay indoors as much as possible. But you might be surprised to learn that even the air inside our houses is not as clean and healthy as you assume. 

Indoor air pollution is nothing new, ranging from the release of gases or particles into the air to pollution caused by building materials and air fresheners.

Here is how to keep your home's air clean.

1. Change Your Air Filter

If you want to improve the air quality in your home, inspect and maintain the air filters in your air conditioners. Replace the air filter monthly if possible. If you do not clean it, your filter will become clogged, trapping all the airborne contaminants that are constantly pumped back into your lung.

Your air handler will have to work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow if your air filter becomes blocked. Reduced airflow in your heating and cooling system might cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off abruptly, resulting in a higher electric bill. 

So, choose excellent pleated fabric filters rated to catch airborne particles instead of cheap, disposable fibreglass panel filters. If you are thinking about replacing yours, consider brands such as Daikin, York, or Hitachi, that provide much cleaner air at a reasonable price.

2. Invest in Air Purifier

Purchase an air purifier with a fan to circulate the newly cleansed air around the living space. Ionic purifiers, in particular, can help capture some of the irritants that may cause your symptoms if they are placed in the most frequently utilised parts of the house. 

Keep in mind that you will not be able to completely eliminate these allergies, but you will be able to decrease their severity, which will help to ease the whole condition. 

When buying an air purifier, look for air purifiers with a high clean air delivery rate (CADR). If the number is higher, the air purifiers will function faster. At the same time, do consider getting a dehumidifier which is useful for damp areas. 

Having such a piece of equipment prevents the growth of mould and scrubs away any visible mould that has accumulated in the room.

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3. Improve Ventilation

If you have not heard, many air pollutants actually come from within the living space. The vents have an impact on the air quality in your home. 

These massive vents, also known as return air vents, are necessary for drawing indoor air back to your heating and cooling system for ventilation. 

People nowadays choose heat recovery ventilators (HRV), which employ small dedicated ductwork connected to a central controller to remove stale air from the house while giving fresh air. 

A lack of ventilation or inadequate ventilation can cause or worsen infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung illnesses like asthma. In addition to that, cooking on a gas stove also causes hazardous pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to be released which are bad for your health and can make you sick. 

So, while you are cooking, open a window or turn on your kitchen exhaust fan to help filter the air out even more.

4. Get Some Indoor Plants

Last but not least, grab yourself some houseplants. Aside from adding visual interest to the space, the indoor plants also aid to increase in increasing oxygen levels and purifying the air. You can choose from a variety of plants, including small plants like ferns and lilies. 

The Aloe plant and English Ivy are wonderful choices too because they are not only lovely but also easy to manage. If you have a larger budget, the Snake Plant would be ideal for you. 

This plant, unlike most others, will release oxygen at night, and the good news is that it does not require much water or light. Red-edged dracaena would also offer a splash of colour to your decorations while also removing pollutants from the air.