During the chilly months, all you want to do is get all cozied up in your house with all the windows sealed tight to get rid of the cold air. Of course, this is quite common for most people, but what happens when you close off your house is that you may end up with some indoor allergens, which can end up causing you respiratory problems.
The combination of your heating system and the stale indoor air will increase this allergy-inducing dust mites and mold which circulate all over your house. In the end, you will find yourself feeling sickly without understanding where the problem could be.
Now, to help you with this, and to protect yourself against sicknesses that may be caused by these allergens, it is wise for you to get some indoor tips that will keep your air fresh at all times, even when you have closed yourself up from the outside.
Indoor Air Quality Tips
Most of the things that will cause the air in your house to become polluted are usually odorless, which is a big problem for you, as you may not see them nor detect them. Here are some tips you can use to ensure that you and your family are breathing fresh air.
Keeping Your Home Clean
Well, this goes without saying. Start by ensuring that your home is clean. A clean house is a healthier house, and good indoor hygiene will cut down on the amount of animal dander and dust that can accumulate in your home.
While cleaning, focus on reducing the mold, pet dander, and dust that lurks in your home. Pay special attention to the following.
- Vacuum the area rugs and the carpets more than once or twice each week using the vacuum cleaner that is equipped with a HEPA filter. This will ensure that all the dust has been removed.
- Ensure that you regularly clean the drapes and beddings, plus other items that are likely to attract allergens, especially pets. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, you should clean these with water that is at least 130° F. You should also consider using a dust-mite cover if you can.
Keep Your Greenery Outdoors
Indoor plants are usually very pretty and good for decorating your home, but they tend to foster the growth of mold. Indoor allergens then become a problem as a result of this, and you should try as much as you can to avoid this.
Changing Your Filters
If you are using a forced-air heating system, then, ensure that you change the filters as often as possible. The electrostatic filters can help you with dust and other airborne irritants, but they also trap airborne irritants, and therefore they should be changed all the tie.
Your ducts should also be removed to clear the trapped dust. This is usually not advisable always but it does help in most cases.
Use an Air Purifier
If you tend to be allergic to indoor allergens, and are having a hard time controlling the problem, and are also unwilling to give up your precious pet, then you should consider using an air purifier.
When you place it in the area of your house that is most used, it helps in capturing some of the most irritating triggers in the house. You will probably not remove all the allergens completely, but you shall certainly cut down on their exposure.
In this regard, you could also make use of a dehumidifier in the damp areas such as your basement, as this shall help to prevent mold from growing. Also ensure that your bathrooms, which are another potential mold source are very well ventilated and that you scrub off the mold as soon as it collects in the shower.
Let In Fresh Air
Every day, even when it is freezing cold, try and open the windows so as to bring in the fresh air. Allow this into your home so it can move all the potential air contaminants out and leave your home with fresh air only.
Conclusion
The main reason why this should be an important topic for everyone is due to the allergens such as mold and dust mites, which are likely to make respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis worse.
Try and make use of our tips above to keep your indoor air quality fresh and healthy. All the best.
