Green LivingLifestyle

4 Tips to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

Story Highlights
  • Tip #1 - Oxygen-producing plants
  • Tip #2 - Ventilate regularly
  • Tip #3 - Clean your air-conditioning and heating units
  • Tip #4 - Keep your home clean

We should take the air we breathe at home seriously. In the streets, we don’t have a choice, but when it comes to our personal living space – we sure do.

It is already a known fact that poor quality of air can cause asthma, lung diseases, and depression!

The pollutants coming in from the outside and emissions from the appliances are the main cause of low quality of air. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that these don’t reach the high levels and affect our health.

If you’re not sure about the air quality in your home, you could opt to test the indoor air quality by one of those DIY kits which have 80-90% accuracy of a professional test. Nonetheless, there are certain things you can do right from the start to make sure that there is always a fresh and high-quality air at home.

Moreover, here are some of the tips that will help you improve the air quality of your home:

Tip #1 – Oxygen-producing plants

In 1989, NASA published a study about how certain plants create oxygen which can improve the quality of air in closed space. Although this study was intended for space travel, today, its results are considered as one of the solutions for air in residential and business spaces.

The basic biology taught us that every plant produces oxygen, even though some do it more than others do: 

  • For example, aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its many health benefits. You will often find it as an ingredient of hair products and skincare lotions, as well as to treat burns and to boost immunity. It also has a property to absorb carbon dioxide from the room and clean the air.
  • Peace Lily, on the other hand, absorbs acetone, benzene, xylene, and other chemical vapors. It is also one of the most effective plants for removing toxins from the air. And the best thing about it is that it’s perfect for beginners and those inexperienced in keeping plants at their homes (you know, the ones who forget to water their plants on a regular basis).

Tip #2 – Ventilate regularly

At least twice a day during winter (and more frequently during summer, spring and autumn) you have to ventilate your home. Fresh air is not only good to remove stale air from your home, but also to boost your mood.

And, if you live in the crowded and highly polluted part of the city, then consider opening your windows in the mornings and evenings only.

However, you can buy devices today that will purify the air before it enters your apartment. For example, so-called trickle vents are one of those and they are small and barely visible ventilators positioned above the windows. They have a filter that cleans the air before it enters your home.

However, keep in mind that they’re not air-conditioning units, and therefore can’t change the temperature of the air.

Tip #3 – Clean your air-conditioning and heating units

When the season comes to turn on air-conditioning and heating units, you should call the respective service companies and have those units thoroughly cleaned. Even if you don’t use them often, wash the outer unit regularly, and remove the dust. And of course, if your units are old, consult air conditioning installers and service on the best course of action.

Don’t avoid changing the old unit for the new one since that can make all the difference. After all, during hot days, your home is exposed to the air from the air-conditioning unit most of the time.

In addition, you have to make sure that it is working properly, that filters are clean and that the quality of air is of the highest quality.

Tip #4 – Keep your home clean

Dust is unavoidable in every home, but when it piles up and other pathogens start to accumulate in your home, that’s when the environment becomes hazardous.

When you come home from the outside, you carry certain microbes, dirt, and toxins on your clothes and shoes. These are easily transported around your home by movement and airflow. They can enter your linen, closets, dishes, and even stick to your body.  

One of the ways to ensure your house is clean is to perform daily chores. You don’t have to vacuum every day, but a couple of times a week will do, depending on the season. Ask guests to leave their shoes at the door, and send your rugs, pillows, cushions, and covers to dry cleaning (ideally, once a month).

To make sure your environment is safe, even after the cleaning, use organic agents and natural products like vinegar, baking soda, or salt. This will minimize the presence of toxic vapours in your home and create a healthier place for you and your family.  

Closing thoughts

Humans can’t live without air, nor can animals and plants. It’s the basis for all living organisms and the last thing we want is to breathe in things that can make us sick. By starting to care about the quality of air we have in our surroundings, we will be more aware of the state our environment is in.

In addition, although, we can’t purify the air on Earth by ourselves, we can start from our homes. This way we will contribute to our health and be part of the movement that cares for our planet’s environment.  

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