We all have an understanding of the quality of the air outside, especially in bigger cities. However, did you know that the air within your home could be up to 10 times worse than the air outside? That’s a pretty shocking fact and there are a few things in particular that have a negative impact on your air quality including:
- Humidity or lack of humidity
- Pet hair and dander
- Bacteria, mold and mildew growth
- Ventilation
Awareness of these factors is the first step in helping to eliminate them or minimize their effects.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
There are a lot of steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. Some will include installing new systems to help regulate temperature, humidity, and air purity but you could also choose to go down a more natural route, by bringing certain types of plants into your home that are know for detoxing the air around them.
No matter which option you choose, your body will thank you for making it easier to breathe.
Humidifiers
Installing a humidifier in your home will improve your air quality, but it will also greatly improve your comfort in your home. Winter is known for the cold weather but also dry air. A humidifier will help relieve chapped lips, coughing, and will keep your wood furniture from cracking.
However, be careful when using your humidifier because you don’t want to create the perfect breeding ground for mold or mildew to grow in your home.
Purifying Plants
Additionally, certain plants have a purifying and cleansing effect on the atmosphere around us, and not just because they are pretty to look at. All plants naturally consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen so adding any plant will help your home become a more livable space, but some plants, in particular, go above and beyond in benefit.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm is known for its elegant leaves and sturdy base, but it can also be used to absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and even chloroform. Additionally, during the cold and dry winter months, bamboo palm acts as a humidifier by producing water vapor in the atmosphere.
Peace Lily
Similar to the bamboo palm, the peace lily also works to absorb toxins from our air including benzene, trichloroethylene, and other pollutants. Benzene is one of the most common pollutants found in homes; it can be found in ink, plastic, detergent, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
Cleaning
This might seem a little obvious since most homeowners already have a regular cleaning routine that they stick to, but there might be some areas in your home that you have been unknowingly neglecting.
HVAC Equipment
While your HVAC unit is used to circulate hot or cold air throughout your home if it is not properly cleaned and maintained it could end up circulating contaminated air. The same goes for your air ducts and air vents. They are perfect breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other bacteria especially if your humidity is too high. Keeping these parts of your home clean is crucial for improving your home’s air quality.
Making sure the air you’re breathing is clean requires some effort on your part, but it doesn't mean you’re all alone. The indoor air quality experts at Hoffman Cooling & Heating are here to help you. We can install and repair several air purification and filtration systems as well as humidifiers.
If you have any concerns about the quality of air in your home, then don’t hesitate to give the experts at Hoffman Cooling & Heating a call.