We hear about air pollution outside of the home a lot. However, did you know that you can also have an air quality issue inside your home? From dirt particles in the air to mold and mildew, there are plenty of culprits for air quality issues. They’re especially problematic if you have family members with allergies or asthma. Getting an air filtration system is one way to filter the air in your home, but it’s not the only way!
Here are some tips to keep your air clean:
- Let Fresh Air In – When the weather allows, open your windows! Let that fresh air into your home. While you’re at it, throw on your fans to keep the air circulating. (Tip: Don’t do this on high pollen days)
- Test For Radon – According to Maine Realtor, one third of homes in Maine likely have a radon problem. Radon is caused by the breakdown of rocks, which New England has lots of! You can request a radon test for your home and get mitigation services if needed. Mitigation is relatively inexpensive, about $1,500 on average.
- Landscape Mindfully – You want to make sure your landscaping isn’t allowing moisture or pests into your home. Be conscious of where you are placing your plants, especially near air intake and exhaust vents.
- Vacuum Regularly– Vacuum your home regularly to get rid of contaminants on surfaces, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can become airborne.
- Brush Your Pets – Pet dander, dirt, and hair aren’t easy to avoid when you have pets. However, taking the time to give them a brush and keeping their areas clean can significantly help to reduce indoor air pollution. Plus, they’ll enjoy a little 1 on 1 spa treatment with you!
- Inspect Your HVAC System – Be sure to service your furnace annually and replace the air filters as recommended. Clean those filters! This goes for AC units and mini-splits, too!
- Operational Bathroom Vents – This is a common culprit for mold in the home. Older houses often lack vents, and homes that have vents often direct warm, moist air into attics where mold readily grows. Be sure your vents are properly vented. Check the attic to make sure the ductwork hasn’t come apart or been disturbed by pests.
- More Indoor Flora – You can also help improve indoor air quality with plants. There are plants that are made for air quality control. For a list of indoor plants that purify, check out this blog post!