How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
You often hear people talk about the quality of the air outside, but did you know the quality of air within and around your home is just as important? High-quality indoor air provides a long list of health benefits, including cognitive and physical. Breathing in cleaner air increases heart and respiratory health, all while promoting a better mood.
Other benefits of good indoor air quality include:
- Decreased asthma and allergy symptoms
- Brighter, clear skin
- Healthy digestion
- Healthy sleep patterns
Signs of Poor Air Quality
Because of the direct correlation of air quality to health, physical symptoms are a major sign of poor indoor air quality. If you live with allergies, poor indoor air quality can agitate your symptoms to the next degree. You may also experience headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues — such as trouble breathing or increased asthma attacks.
Other telltale signs of poor indoor air quality to watch for around the home include high energy bills, excessive dust accumulation, unusual odors, high levels of humidity, condensation or your windows, and stale air.
Airborne particles such as mold spores, pollen, and formaldehyde are common culprits to poor indoor air quality. Homes without advanced air filtration or updated HVAC systems are more susceptible to poor indoor air quality because of inadequate ventilation. Because breathing in polluted air can lead to a wide array of serious health problems, it’s important to be aware of your home’s indoor air quality.
How to Test Air Quality in Your Home
Aside from calling a professional, there are a variety of indoor air monitors available for purchase if you wish to test the air quality in your home. Many digital air monitors can measure carbon monoxide, humidity, formaldehyde, radon, and more — in real time. There are also indoor air quality testing kits available online for a one-time testing option.
If your indoor air quality consistently raises red flags, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC professional, especially when it comes to the presence of carbon monoxide or mold.
Best Plants for Indoor Air Quality
It’s no surprise that having plants in your home helps the air quality. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Another process in photosynthesis called stomata happens when a plant absorbs other gases in the air, ultimately neutralizing the air.
Having plant indoors isn’t the ultimate solution to purifying all airborne toxins, however houseplants do supplement air filters. Think of plants as an extra layer of protection. There are some indoor plants that can also reduce air pollutants, like formaldehyde. A few of the best plants to have in your home for air purification include:
- Spider Plants
- English Ivy
- Peace Lily
- Bamboo Palm
- Chysanthemum
- Aloe Vera
- Chinese Evergreen (Contains an irritant that could be toxic to pets)
Do I Need Advanced Air Filtration?
While most HVAC systems already have a basic air filtration system in place, adding an extra layer of protection has a range of health benefits. If you or any of your family members have asthma or bad allergies, the addition of an air filtration system is a great way to purify your home and increase the quality of indoor air. This can lead to improved respiratory health and keep symptoms at bay.