6 Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Air pollution is an unfortunate fact of life in most urban environments, whether it’s caused by traffic exhaust fumes or industrial activity. While most people recognize the dangers caused by unchecked pollution outdoors, the air quality inside their own homes is often overlooked. 

Poor indoor air quality can have serious impacts on your health and well-being, from inflaming allergies to causing headaches, or even simply drying out your hair and skin on an everyday basis. If you suspect the air in your home could use some improvement, what can you do about it? Here are six of the most effective approaches to try. 

1) Service Your Air Conditioner 

Air conditioners do more than just cool and dehumidify your home in summer. They also purify the air as they work, removing dust and other particles via the air filter built into the equipment. Over time, the air filter can become clogged, reducing the AC’s cooling and cleansing efficiency. Having your conditioner serviced will restore its ability to filter your home’s air, as well as boost its energy efficiency and cooling power. Simple homeowner maintenance (changing the air filter as needed) is important, though annual professional maintenance should also be considered essential. 

2) Improve Ventilation 

In some cases, improving the ventilation in your home can be as simple as opening windows and doors so that air can flow more freely. It’s also a good idea to have any air ducts checked for blockages and build-ups that can spread contaminants from room to room. 

For an even greater improvement in air quality, having your home’s ventilation system upgraded by a qualified HVAC contractor can make a huge difference. Careful attention to ductwork, attic vents, and other elements can increase the airflow and improve its quality, without reducing the heat insulation or security of your home. Use our renovation calculator to get a free estimate on ventilation upgrades carried out by our network of recommended contractors, offering exclusive deals to get more from your renovation budget. 

3) Use Air Filtration 

To make a ventilation upgrade even more effective at improving air quality, several different kinds of air filtration systems can also be installed as part of the project. The most common types include: 

• Electronic filters can be installed into existing ducts and use an electrostatic charge to remove microscopic particles from the air. 

• UV filters are adapted from medical installations and can neutralize bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light. UV filters are most often used together with an electronic filter for fuller protection. 

• HEPA filters use a combination of pleated filter material and activated carbon to trap pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other common causes of allergic reactions. 

• Flat filters, which are used with a furnace-based heating system, can remove a wide range of dust and other particles from the air as it circulates. 

4) Control Humidity 

Mold spores can become a serious problem if they build up in your home, contributing to health issues as well as degrading décor and furnishings. High humidity is one of the main causes of mold growth, so investing in a dehumidifier can be extremely useful, especially in areas close to bathrooms or kitchens. 

A portable unit makes a good starting point, but for larger homes with more serious humidity problems, one of our recommended HVAC contractors can advise on how to design and install a whole-house solution. 

5) Clean Your Rugs and Carpets 

The rugs and carpets in your home act as natural air filters, trapping dust and other debris during daily use. But as time goes on, they will become a source of air pollution rather than a cure, sending particles back into the air as you walk over them. Get into the habit of cleaning all floor coverings weekly, and they’ll continue to benefit the air rather than contaminate it. 

6) Grow Indoor Plants 

Lastly, growing indoor plants will help to cleanse and freshen the air in your home, thanks to their ability to take in carbon dioxide and certain contaminants while sending out oxygen at the same time. This action can be particularly useful in bathrooms, where many species will love the warm, damp air, refreshing and dehumidifying it naturally. Wherever you place them, growing a selection of plants around your home will filter the air while also improving your decor. Research online for which plants are the best at cleaning the air. 

Improve Home Air Quality with Our Recommended HVAC Contractors  

MyHomeUpgrade.ca can help with any aspect of your home improvement and home renovation projects, from improving air quality through ventilation to servicing your air conditioner. With our expert advice, free renovation calculator, access to our network of approved HVAC and general contractors, and even easy financing options, we can get your home improvement projects completed to the highest standards while staying within budget. Start renovating like an expert, today!