DIY Steps for Increasing Indoor Air Quality
While spring in Massachusetts starts a bit later than it does in other parts of the country, it still brings with it seasonal allergies. Luckily, when it comes to indoor air quality there are many DIY measures that homeowners can take. Today we will look at steps for increasing indoor air quality inside your home.
It might seem surprising, but the air quality indoors is often worse than the air quality outdoors. Add asthma, allergies, and the coronavirus, and indoor air quality is a serious concern. For specific measures on filtering out COVID-19, check out our blog here.
Before looking at DIY Steps, let’s understand factors that affect indoor air quality:
Seasonal Allergens
Pollen, dust, grass; the list can go on and on. Allergens enter the home in a variety of ways, including being trapped in the fur of our pets, tracked in by our shoes or clothing, or brought in by the breeze from open windows. All to say, our living spaces and sleeping areas can become culprits for asthma and allergy attacks.
Mold and Fungus
While some mold and fungus fit within the category of seasonal allergies, other causes include moist areas of the home. Bathrooms, laundry areas, and kitchens can become too humid which leads to ideal environments for mold and fungus growth. To learn more about symptoms of humidity and whether your home might benefit from a dehumidifier, check out our blog on this topic here.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
After a long and cold winter, fireplaces typically become dirty and full of ash or other fire remnants. Add in a strong fan or burst of wind from open windows and the debris from fireplaces can spread around the home and threaten air purity.
Let’s take a look at DIY solutions for increasing indoor air quality.
1. Indoor Air Quality Tests
Purchasing indoor air quality tests is a great first step to gauge the purity of your home. Learn more about affordable indoor air quality tests here. After understanding more about your home, consider the other DIY solutions below.
2. Changing Air Filters
Whether you rely on ductless mini splits or you have a central air conditioning system, regularly changing air filters is critical. Neglecting to change your filters negatively affects the air quality in your home.
3. Bring in Allergy-Friendly House Plants
House plants are a natural solution for increasing air purity. For example, the Dracaena plants are allergy friendly and effective at increasing air quality because of their ability to trap allergens in its leaves.
4. Regularly Washing
Regularly washing household textiles will help improve air quality. Commonly overlooked washables include area rugs, decorative pillows, bathroom mats, curtains, and bedding. Make sure to read the specific care instructions for each item to preserve quality before washing.
Taking these steps can greatly enhance your indoor air quality, protecting you and those you love from unwanted pollutants.
Plus, you’re always welcome to contact the trusted heating, cooling, and air quality experts at Total Temperature Control.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and at work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.
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