Go Beyond Basic Cleaning: How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Naturally

changing HVAC filter

Whether you live in a big city with lots of smog or in the country with a high pollen count, you deserve to be comfortable inside your home. There is all kinds of advice out there on how to improve the quality of your home’s air, but it can be hard to know what is effective. That’s why we have put together a guide on how to improve indoor air quality naturally.

While regular dusting and cleaning can go a long way, you might be wondering what other steps you can take. There are quite a few DIY approaches that you can try to enhance the air quality in your home, many of which are quite effective.

Portable HEPA Filters

A high-efficiency portable air filter, or HEPA filter, is a great way to clean your home’s air without having to do much work yourself. HEPA filters work by taking in air, then scrubbing it of contaminants before expelling it back out into your home’s atmosphere.

They do this by using fine mesh traps that catch things like pet dander, dust and other particles that you would otherwise be breathing in. Portable HEPA filters can be a great solution for cleaning the air in specific rooms or particular problem areas in your home. One of the best things about them is that you can simply turn them on and let them do the work while you attend to other things.

Low-VOC Paints, Varnishes

Other potential contributors to poor air quality inside a home are paints and varnishes. These products can emit odors and fumes that negatively impact air quality. Volatile organic compounds are sometimes found in certain paints, stains and finishes. Even once they have dried, these compounds can still cause irritation to lungs and make the air inside your home less than ideal to breathe.

To keep your indoor air clean and heathy make sure to use VOC-free paints and varnishes when you are doing any indoor DIY projects. These are usually labeled as being scent-free or odorless. They will be safe to use indoors and will not produce any excess particles that can lower the air quality in your home.

Avoid Chemical-Laden Household Products

Household cleaners can be a major source of contaminants in your home’s air. Many of them contain chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine and triclosan. These chemicals can all contribute to poor air quality and lead to problems with your eyes, nose and throat.

Instead of using harsh chemicals, choose products with natural ingredients. There is a wide variety of natural, chemical-free household cleaners that are available. These products use things like baking soda, peppermint oil, and other gentle ingredients to break down dirt and grease. A white vinegar and water solution is also a fantastic alternative that has many uses for cleaning around the house.

Professional Services

There are many ways to improve the air quality in your home and while these DIY solutions can help contribute to cleaner, healthier air in your home, a call to your local Aire Serv professional can help ensure long lasting results. Aire Serv professionals have the tools, training and experience to identify, locate and eliminate issues that could be causing poor air quality. They are trained to safely and efficiently clean air ducts, replace air filters, and check drain lines to ensure your entire system is working effectively, so you and your family can breathe easy.