Take a moment to breathe deeply. Does the air feel crisp and clean, or is there something off about it? If it’s not quite hitting the freshness mark, it might be time to turn our attention to indoor air quality. But don’t worry – there’s a solution, and it’s an air filter! Wondering about what’s lurking in your air and how to clean it? Well, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive in and figure out how to make sure the air we breathe is as fresh and healthy as it can be. After all, who wants to breathe in nasty air that can cause health issues?
Understanding Indoor Air Quality
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the air quality inside a building, whether it be at a restaurant, doctors, or your home. IAQ is important and should matter to you as it is important to your health and well-being. Poor IAQ can cause serious health effects if not taken seriously.
Common Sources Of Indoor Air Pollution
Everyone has indoor air pollution, it’s impossible to completely get rid of air pollution in your home but it is possible to lessen the amount. The best way to start doing that is knowing where and what indoor pollution is.
– Dust
– Pet Hair/Dander
– Carbon Monoxide (CO)
– Bacteria
– Mold
– Asbestos
– Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
The list could go on and on, but these air pollutants are everywhere in your home. Carbon Monoxide for example is mostly found in garages, basements, and even your bedroom. The attic is typically where asbestos comes from too. Every room in your home is in danger of poor IAQ.
The Potential Health Risks Associated With Poor IAQ
Some health risks are minor, but some could be life-threatening.
Minor Health Risk
– Headaches
– Fatigue
– Trouble Concentrating
– Eyes, Nose, Throat, and Lung Irritation
Major Health Risk
– Respiratory Infections
– Heart Disease
– Stroke
– Lung Cancer
Whether it’s a minor or a major health risk, poor IAQ is dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible.
The Role of Air Filtration
Introduction To Air Filtration Systems
An air filtration system is vital to have good IAQ, and you need to make sure that you have one in place. It could be your HVAC system or an air purifier. Keeping them working properly is key to improving and maintaining healthy air.
How Air Filters Work To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Air filters are the most important part of an air filtration system. The dirty air will pass through the air filter screen, trapping the air pollution and then pushing out the clean air. Depending on the MERV rating and type of filter, they can remove most indoor air pollutants like dust, pollen, and even viruses. You have to make sure you measure them properly as well. A 20x20x1 air filter won’t work for an HVAC system that needs an 18x20x1 air filter, even if it’s just off by two inches.
Different Types Of Air Filters
There are many different types of air filters; each is different in its own way but still gives you healthy air benefits.
Pleated AC & Furnace Filters: Pleated filters remove lint, dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, allergens, and other contaminants.
Pleated Plus Carbon Filters: Infused with charcoal these filters control both odors and collect lint, pollen, smoke particles, virus carriers, bacteria, mold spores, and more. At the same time, preventing the growth of bacteria or mold.
Pure Carbon Pleated Filters: Also infused with charcoal, these filters control and neutralize strong odors from pets, garbage, bathrooms, and smoke. They also remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like chemicals from cleaning products.
Benefits of Healthy Air Living
Improved Respiratory Health And Reduced Allergy Symptoms
Once you get some new air filters installed, and possibly bring in an air purifier as well, you will start breathing in healthy air that limits your risk of allergies and respiratory issues.
Enhanced overall well-being and productivity
Healthy air doesn’t just help your lungs; it also helps you be more productive. It helps clear out any brain fog and even helps you sleep better at night so you wake up feeling good and refreshed. It also will improve your mood and make you feel happier.
Implementing Healthy Air Practices
Incorporating Indoor Plants For Natural Air Purification
It’s not just trees that give us clean air. Some indoor plants are known for making the air cleaner to breathe. During photosynthesis, plants turn the carbon dioxide in the air into fresh oxygen while removing toxins. Here are some indoor plants you can bring inside your home to freshen up your home.
– Aloe Vera
– Rubber Tree (Careful! This plant can be toxic to pets if ingested.)
– Snake Plant
– Bromeliad Vriesea Vogue
– Philodendron Heartleaf
Using Non-Toxic Cleaning Products To Minimize Indoor Pollutants
Remember, some cleaning products can cause volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to be in the air, so it’s best to stay away from those and use more eco-friendly cleaning products. Of course, baking soda will be one of the first products I mention. Baking soda can clean just about anything without pouring out toxic fumes in the air. You can clean your carpet, mattress, and oven and even remove rust stains. Vinegar is another obvious eco-friendly cleaning source. Look for products that have the ‘EWG VERIFIED’ mark to know they are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Establishing Healthy Habits To Maintain Clean Indoor Air Quality
One of the best healthy habits to have to keep your IAQ good is coming up with a cleaning schedule. It doesn’t need to be tricky or tiresome. No need to deep clean every week. A suggestion would be to clean a room or two a day, sweeping/vacuuming or dusting once a week.
Deep cleaning is done once a month to really make sure your home stays fresh. Another tip for making a schedule is to make a list of daily tasks, weekly tasks, and monthly tasks. Here are some examples:
Daily Task
– Making Beds
– De-clutter
– Wipe Counters
– Check the Floors
Weekly Task
– Bathrooms
– Dusting
– Vacuuming/Sweeping
– Mopping
– Laundry
Monthly Task
– Clean Out the Fridge
– Clean the Oven
– Clean the Baseboards
Embrace Healthy Air Living!
By understanding indoor air quality and the role of air filters, you can finally start healthy air living. Air filters are such a big part of cleaning the air, but you also need to make sure you do your part to help. Once you’ve changed your air filter and come up with a cleaning schedule that fits you, you will start feeling better physically and mentally.
An Occupational therapist, freelance content writer and more importantly a stay-at-home mom, Sara, like all other parents juggles her many roles. Her passion for writing combined with her professional expertise as an Occupational therapist (working with children with special needs) has helped her craft content specific to child health, wellness and learning skills. At present, Sara alternates her time between raising her two young children, and writing about what she knows best- children!
