30 Ideas for Improving Your Home Air Quality

Indoor air quality should be a major concern for many homeowners and renters, but studies have shown that 87% of Americans are not aware that the air inside of most American homes.  Here’s some simple tips for how to improve the air quality at your home:

1. Keep the premises clean: regularly dust, vacuum, and mop.
2. Install an air purifier in your home to maintain air quality and reduce dust.
3. Use hood vents when cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing.
4. To increase airflow in closets, keep doors open where possible or install vented doors.
5. Avoid an excessive number of indoor plants.
6. Use exhaust fans when showering or bathing. Leave them on long enough to remove the moisture from the room.
7. Use ceiling fans.
8. Take plants outdoors to water them.
9. Wipe down any moisture and/or spillage.
10. Wipe down bathroom walls and fixtures after bathing or showering (green products suggested).
11. Wipe down sinks and vanities regularly.
12. Refrain from hanging clothes indoors to dry.
13. Avoid air-drying dishes.
14. Open blinds/curtains to allow light into premises.
15. Hang shower curtains within the bath while showering.
16. Securely close shower doors, if present, while showering.
17. Leave bathroom and shower doors open after use.
18. Use green products for cleaning hard surfaces.
19. Remove rotten or moldy food immediately.
20. Remove garbage regularly.
21. Wipe down any and all signs of visible moisture.
22. Regularly scan the ceiling for evidence of roof leaks.
23. Periodically check the air conditioning vents to be sure they are clean.
24. Change the air conditioning filter regularly.
25. Perform scheduled maintenance on your air conditioning system, including but not limited to cleaning the evaporator coil.
26. Wipe down window sills if moisture is present.
27. Regularly check for leaks under sinks, around the base of toilets, and around the washing machine, water heater, and dishwasher.
28. Check all washer hoses and outside garden hose connections for leaking.
29. Regularly empty the dehumidifier.
30. Clean behind your refrigerator and around the air conditioning air handler if possible.

Breathe.

Take a deep breath.

The most fundamental element of human life is breathing. It does not have to be taught, and it costs nothing because nothing could be more natural to our very being.

Recognizing the importance of clean air follows naturally after acknowledging the  elemental nature of breathing. So why do we consistently ignore the problems that are preventing us from having the kind of air quality that we deserve?

Most people are aware of outdoor air pollution– the smog that hovers over a city, the exhaust coming out of cars, even the pollen in the air that is necessary but that prevents us from breathing properly. But according to some studies, about 87% of Americans are unaware of another significant air problem: that of the air we breathe while inside.

Some estimates suggest that Americans spend upwards of 80% of their time indoors– working, eating, sleeping, and doing an assortment of recreational activities. Most of us hardly think of what we are breathing; in fact, people are more likely to be aware of poor air quality outdoors than indoors. In fact, in most cases, the air indoors is worse than what we breathe while outdoors.

What’s in your air?

Although it is impossible to move all particles from the air you breathe, it is possible to take steps to improve air quality in your home. These solutions can be as simple as turning the bathroom fan on while showering and vacuuming your home regularly. Without the proper steps to take care of your air, you could be breathing any combination of the following while you are inside your home or office:

• lead (in dust)
• formaldehyde
• radon
• dust mites
• pet dander
• mold
• chemicals from paraffin candles
• microparticles of ink, toner, and ozone (from your printer)

We’re here to help you navigate the challenges of keeping your air safe to breathe. We believe in helping you to educate yourself so that you can preserve the air you breathe and protect your health. We believe in consumer safety and environmental responsibility. We believe that technology can be a tool to help you lead a better, healthier life. That’s why we’re here– to educate and to listen, to help you find your way to a better quality of life through better breathing.