It’s summertime, and you are probably spending most of your time outside. However, there could be some things going on inside of your home that you don’t want to ignore. Indoor pollutants enter our homes in a variety of ways and cause problems including decreased air quality, allergies, and even illness. Luckily, there are ways for you to decrease the number of pollutants and allergens in your home. Here are some simple tips that will help you improve the air quality of your home.
- Control Humidity: Common allergens found in homes such as mold and dust mites are attracted to moisture. During the summer months, humidity is increased which can lead to more moisture in your home, allowing these allergens to thrive. The best ways to lower the humidity in your home is to make sure that your air conditioner is running efficiently and investing in a dehumidifier.
- Keep Floors Clean: Your floors are naturally one of the dirtiest parts of your home. Family members and guests bring in dirt, pet dander, and other germs from outside, that can live on your floors. Keeping your floors clean can help eliminate these pollutants before they fly into the air of your home.
- Use Natural Cleaning Products: Many popular cleaning supplies are made up of chemicals that can actually add pollutants into your home. While these products may succeed at cleaning your home, they also leave you breathing in strong fumes that can be an annoyance. Opting for natural cleaning products can help maintain the air quality in your home, without adding harsh chemicals, which can be especially beneficial for someone who already suffers from allergies.
- Change Your Air Filters: Keeping your air filter clean is a simple way to improve the air quality in your home. Your air filter should be changed every 3 to 4 months, and more often if you have pets. Letting your air filter become clogged not only pushes your HVAC system to work harder, but it also prevents your filter from doing its job of removing dirt, debris, and dust from the air in your home. If you think that you have not changed your air filter in a while, take the time to do so to help remove allergens in the air.