Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality With These 8 Tips

Even seemingly benign cleaning solutions can cause respiratory problems if you misuse them or lack adequate ventilation. Don't leave your windows tightly shut when using chemical cleaners and open your windows to air the room completely after a cleaning session. Whenever possible, opt for natural products that are plant-based and safer for everyone who enters your home.  

While keeping plants at home is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to breathe in the fresh air, they're also a great way to improve the air quality in your home. Some house plants, like spider plants and philodendrons, do more than add ambiance; they remove formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides and other toxins from the air. To get the full benefits of these plant-based filters, you'll need to diligently water them regularly.  

Second-hand smoke can lead to many health problems in your entire household, including respiratory distress and cancer. Even if you have air-conditioning units, lingering cigarette odor can make your home feel stale and dirty and won't leave anyone comfortable or at ease. Whenever possible, opt for a smoke-free environment and endorse your friends to make the same choice. But if you feel the urge to light up, opt for an area outside your home for your smoking pleasure.  

Reducing exposure to radon, the colorless and odorless radioactive gas, can help protect your entire household from lung cancer. The EPA recommends checking your home for radon every two years and taking a more thorough test if you live in an area with a high rate of radon exposure, such as mines or water treatment plants. You can get a free test kit from the EPA by contacting your local office.  

Dogs, cats and other furry friends play a huge role in our families, but they can also create problems with indoor air quality. In addition to frequent bouts of dander, your pets can bring in dirt and outdoor allergens that will cling to their hair and fur as they roam around your home. Reduce the amount of these irritants by brushing or combing your pet regularly, keeping them groomed and washing them with natural soap whenever possible.  

Take note of where the air stagnates in your home, and take steps to improve ventilation. Since there's no purer form of air than outside air, make sure your doors and windows are open as much as possible when you're able. Also, consider using an exhaust fan to draw particles, funky smells or warm air out of the house. Adding a draft guard or weatherstripping can help keep your home from becoming too cold if you have trouble with drafty doors.  

Problems with dampness may seem less noticeable than leaks or other types of moisture. But until mold, mildew, stains, musty odors and pests become apparent, you might not realize how much condensed air can cause discomfort. When you have a dehumidifier, keeping your home's relative humidity between 35 and 50 percent is easier and avoiding creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms.   

Think of your air filters as a system to keep air moving, and they can be a great defense against breathable pollutants. But over time, even the best filters may need help to keep up with the dust and pollen constantly deposited in your home. Depending on the time between your last change, you may need to replace your AC filters every three months or more often during peak allergy seasons.