Inconvenient interstate traffic. industrial smokestacks in the air. Just a few pictures come to mind when we think of air pollution. How about inside air pollution, though? Do you ever consider how secure the air in your house is?
Indoor air pollution may be just as dangerous as outdoor air pollution, if not worse. And given that the average American spends 87% of their time indoors, you’d think we’d hear more about indoor air quality. However, keep calm. You may take immediate action to enhance the quality of your indoor air right now by performing a little regular maintenance and gaining some fundamental understanding.
Consider HVAC System
The healing powers of fresh air have been acknowledged for ages. Long used as a kind of therapy for a wide range of ailments, doctors have long advised patients to go outside of crowded, dirty areas. Patients could now breathe fresh air and recover as a result. The basic goal of ventilation, a component of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is to move stale air out and replace it with fresh air. The functions of an HVAC system have taken the place of what was previously performed by opening the windows and letting the air freely travel through a residence. To that end, efficient HVAC accessories and systems in general can provide considerably more effective ventilation for a contemporary home by continuously moving air. Using the right ventilation techniques will significantly improve how a house feels. Speak to the HVAC service provider and look for real answers to your fresh air needs rather than attempting to open and close windows as required. By investing in ventilation systems, you can keep your home more pleasant and healthier. Additionally, air purifiers can keep you comfortable all year when used in conjunction with the rest of the HVAC system.
Use Vents for Cooking
The primary source of indoor air pollution is the kitchen. Gas burners emit two harmful toxins: carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Even electric burners release these comparable pollutants at low concentrations, coupled with other compounds that are easy for your bloodstream to absorb. Make sure to turn on the cooking vents or open a window while you’re cooking to further clean the air.
Dry the Laundry Outside
Condensation is produced when drying laundry on a radiator indoors, which also interferes with the heating system’s ability to operate well. Condensation and mold growth are enhanced throughout the winter for the same reason.
A recent study found that 87% of us dry our clothes indoors and that just one wash will release two liters of water into the atmosphere.
If you have no other choice, make sure the windows are slightly open to let the moisture-laden air out before it condenses on a colder surface.
Ensure That the Carpets Are Clean
Dirt, dust mites, hair, and fungus are known to thrive in carpets, which could make breathing-related disorders like bronchial attacks and asthma, in addition to hay fever and eczema, worse.
Consider switching to a surface like tiles or laminate if your bathroom or kitchen carpet frequently gets wet from cooking and bathing to get rid of the ideal environment for dust mites, mold, and other nasties. If you decide to continue using carpet, it’s critical to give it a thorough cleaning regularly and to maintain the area adequately ventilated to reduce relative humidity.
Remove Condensation
In their homes, 58% of respondents reported encountering condensation. This is a specific problem during the winter when the humidity is higher. As a result, the warm air within our homes stays trapped because it contains more moisture than the cooler air.
This moisture condenses into water droplets on cooler surfaces like windows and walls when the heater is turned off and the air cools. Because of the moisture from showers, baths, and cooking, condensation is frequently more evident in bathrooms and kitchens. An average four-person home could produce up to 18 liters of moisture every day just by breathing, washing, and cooking!
Without a constant flow of fresh air entering and leaving the structure, the relative humidity increases, and the inside environment quickly fills with moisture, eventually causing condensation, especially when the temperature changes. The water droplets that accumulate on cooler surfaces over time can result in the growth of mold and, in certain situations, cause harm to the structure of the building itself.
Condensation indicates poor indoor air quality in your home since it is caused by inadequate ventilation. Normal air changes inside the building not only combat condensation and lower the relative humidity but also improve the quality of the air inside.
What can you do to prevent condensation, then? Well, if it only affects one or two rooms, especially the bathroom or kitchen, you might want to think about using a low-energy extractor fan. This uses minimal energy to regulate humidity levels in utility rooms, restrooms, and kitchens.
Use Neither Hairspray Nor Deodorant Sprays
Spray-on deodorants and hairsprays should be avoided, since the fewer pollutants and chemicals you introduce into your home, the better. According to a recent report by the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), indoor air contains up to 900 pollutants. You can utilize an efficient ventilation system to remove toxins from your home in many ways, either from the entire house or from a particular room.
We all urgently need clean air and good health; therefore, these simple suggestions could be quite helpful if they are taken seriously and put into practice.
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