Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Sustainability means more than taking care of the environment outdoors. The spaces in buildings and homes also matter. Thankfully, improving indoor air quality is much simpler than you might think. All it takes is perseverance and consistency.

Why Improving Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor pollutants can travel outside, which inadvertently influences the world. Some habits are particularly harmful — for example, about 2.1 billion people worldwide use stoves powered by kerosene and coal, generating pollution that contributes to global climate change.

People’s health and well-being are also on the line. Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, exposing themselves to various allergens and contaminants that circulate through air ducts and vents. Enhancing air quality brings sustainability forward as you focus on your family’s well-being.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Changing several habits and adding specific items can make a noticeable difference. Here are a few examples.

1. Clean Your Indoor Space

Create a cleaning schedule you can stick to. Sweep, vacuum and wipe down surfaces to minimize dust and kill germs. Less clutter also means more space for the air to circulate.

However, you must be selective about the ingredients you use, as specific chemicals can be harmful and even toxic. For instance, alkylphenol ethoxylates adversely affect aquatic animals’ reproductive capabilities. Look for more sustainable cleaning agents or consider making household solutions with baking soda and vinegar.

2. Use Technology

A quick and easy fix to improve indoor air quality is to manage the atmosphere and temperature with various innovations. Plus, you can take an extra step toward sustainability by investing in rechargeable units. Renewable energy sources like solar panels are also ideal to minimize emissions.

Here are a few examples.

• Air purifiers: Air purifiers remove airborne contaminants by sucking in air and filtering it. You may need multiple units, depending on your home’s size and layout. You can also build an inexpensive, homemade model with MERV13 furnace filters and a box fan.
• Air circulators: Unpleasant odors and uneven temperatures can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Use a standing or ceiling fan to improve air circulation inside a room.
• Humidifiers: A humidifier is ideal for hot and dry climates. This appliance adds moisture to the air, providing relief to those with sensitive respiratory systems.
• Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers work the opposite way, decreasing moisture levels. They are ideal for damp, stuffy environments, preventing the growth of indoor air pollutants like mold and mildew.

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3. Replace Your Air Filters

HVAC systems are paramount to a space’s comfort. Filters capture dirty particles processed through your heating and air conditioning units. Clogged filters force your HVAC equipment to work harder, driving up your energy bills. Luckily, replacing old filters is a quick task requiring only a few minutes.

HEPA filters offer a high level of ventilation and protection from contaminants. For maximum effectiveness in the long run, replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s directions — more frequently if you have pets or if someone in your household has respiratory issues like allergies.

4. Add Indoor Plants

Plants are more than decoration. They connect you with nature by bringing the outdoors in. They also improve indoor air quality by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

If you’re a beginner, choose low-maintenance plants. The snake plant is one of the easiest plants to nurture since it can withstand low light while filtering air pollutants inside the building. Peace lilies and poinsettias are also wonderful options if you want a pop of color.

5. Open the Windows and Doors

Most buildings have a ventilation system, but opening windows and doors increases air exchanges per hour. Take advantage of mild weather conditions and bring in some fresh air, reducing odors from cooking or smoke buildup.

Remember to be conscious of outdoor quality, too. Inviting a draft or heat wave indoors can undo all the hard work your HVAC system does to keep your family comfortable. Allergens and insects may also enter your house through an opening.

6. Find Clean Cooking Solutions

If you have a gas stove or oven, consider replacing it. About 300 million people should have access to clean cooking solutions yearly to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Electric cooking could lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Adopting clean cooking practices should also shrink your carbon footprint. For example, meal prepping for an entire week can preserve indoor air quality by allowing you to turn on your stove only once instead of several days in a row.

7. Wash Your Pets

Regularly wash your furry friends, especially after bringing them outdoors. Their little paws may accumulate dirt when on a walk. Dander from the urine and sweat on their fur and skin cells could also linger in the air and on the surface they land on. Bring them to the pet salon or bathe them yourself to protect your indoor environment and well-being.

8. Let Items Off-Gas

Have you ever noticed new furniture or products have a specific smell? Vacuum sealing can trap chemical byproducts in mattresses, pillows and other furnishings, which could then find their way into your indoor air. Allow these items to off-gas outside in your yard or on your balcony. You can clean and bring them back indoors afterward.

Take Care of Your Indoor Air

The techniques to improve and preserve indoor air quality are manageable. Take the extra time and energy toward maintaining your homes and buildings. The environment and your body will thank you for it.