The EPA estimates that indoor air is 2-5 times dirtier than outdoor air. Considering we spend roughly 90% of our time indoors, it’s imperative to make sure that the air quality of your home is sufficient, comfortable, and promoting your overall health.
The air quality of a home can be impacted by a number of different things: From shower mold and dust mites to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in everyday household cleaners, paint, and new furniture. The quality of indoor air is usually affected by lack of fresh air, especially during winter months when fresh air isn’t exactly feasible. Indoor air that has become stale or stuffy can increase mold spores and dust mites, which if breathed in for long periods of time, can lead to allergies, asthma, respiratory ailments, and even impaired mental function.
Improving your home’s indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complex, nor does it have to break the bank. Opening your windows to allow fresh air to circulate is always a good idea. But to really breathe easy knowing you’re living in a healthy home, there are certain products that can help.
How to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
1. Invest in an Air Scrubber
Air scrubbers are exactly what they sound like. They literally scrub the air by removing particles, chemicals, and dirt with UV light technology and an advanced oxidation process so that your home can feature clean and breathable air. Employing ActivePure Technology, Air Scrubbers have been proven to destroy microbial populations from your hard surfaces, and reduce roughly 90% of airborne contaminants, something traditional air cleaners don’t do. There are a variety of different kinds of air scrubbers, but most are attached directly to your HVAC system.
2. Use Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners are also known as air purifiers and are one of the most common ways that people improve their air quality at home. Electric air cleaners use fans and filters to clear out large air particles and trap the small particles. There are thousands of electronic air cleaners on the market, all designed for different types of homes and different spaces in a home. Many use HEPA or activated charcoal filters to remove odors, or implement UV light to kill germs.
Electronic air cleaners are easy to use, affordable, and will instantly improve your home’s overall air quality. However, some homeowners may be skeptical about these air cleaners as they typically use a lot of energy. If this is a concern of yours, consider investing in an air cleaner that can be powered by solar energy. A business owner that sells solar panels in Cherry Hill pointed out that solar panels can absolutely power electronic air cleaners, and are a renewable energy source that is worth any homeowner’s while.
3. Consider an HRV
An HRV, or a heating recovery ventilator, will improve your home’s indoor air quality immediately. It ensures that the air is not stale and damp; two qualities that are harmful to one’s health. These systems use controlled ventilation to reduce the amount of humidity and pollutants by pushing stale indoor air out while pulling fresh outdoor air in simultaneously. HRVs create this air exchange while not allowing any heat to escape your home, making it a highly energy efficient option.
HRVs are ideal for homes rather than apartments or condos. Similarly, HRVs are one of the more involved air quality solutions, so they are typically best for homeowners that have tried other methods of improving their home’s air quality and haven’t had any luck.
Find the Solution That is Best For You
A good place to start is by giving your home an air quality test. If you are dealing with poor air quality, it’s important that you make it a point to fix it before you or a family member gets sick. To find the solution that is best for you, do research on multiple potential solutions based on your living situation, price range and severity of your issue; use this post as a guide as you make your decision. Better yet, when building a new home, ask your builder what products and practices they use to promote indoor health.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey