The air quality inside living spaces isn’t often on the mind of most homeowners. If no one is sick, you may assume that the air quality is fine, but this isn’t always the case. As with the outdoors, the home can harbor invisible particles and compounds that pollute the air and negatively impact our family’s health. The signs and symptoms of breathing in unclean air often present gradually, making it critical to maintain and improve indoor air quality.

With so Much Time Spent at Home, the Indoor Air Can’t Be Ignored

The average person spends the majority of their time indoors, and that has only scaled upward with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even for outdoor enthusiasts, time spent in nature tends to drop considerably when the weather cools off. The pollutants that could be circulating inside your home come from several different sources, and may include:

Mold & mildew
Dust & pet dander
Cigarette smoke
Carbon monoxide
Pollen
Radon
Airborne pathogens

Some of these pollutants are obvious while others pose an invisible threat to residents and guests. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize the impacts and improve indoor air quality.

Here’s What You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Start with a Filter Check

Clean or change the filter for your air conditioning and heating systems seasonally, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some filters are washable and can be hosed down and allowed to dry while others can be vacuumed out.

Most you’ll need to dispose of entirely and buy a new filter from the manufacturer, or one that meets the proper specifications from your local hardware store.

Cleaning Up After Pets to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Pets shed hair and dander, some breeds more so than others. Brush your pets outdoors regularly to minimize the shedding so that these particles aren’t circulating in the air you breathe. Vacuum the floors often and wipe down vent covers where hair tends to collect.

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

This tip is essential for every homeowner. Carbon monoxide is known as a silent killer, and if you have a fuel-burning appliance in your home, a detector needs to be installed nearby. It could truly save your life if one of these appliances malfunctions.

Schedule a Radon Testing Service

Radon is a naturally occurring carcinogenic gas that is found throughout the US. There is no way to determine if the gas is inside the home without specialized equipment designed for radon detection. If your living space has never been tested in the past, schedule a professional to test your home for high levels of radon.

When indoor air pollutants become a problem in your home, they can have both short-term and long-term effects on your health. In addition to following these tips to improve indoor air quality, also inspect any areas of your home where moisture has collected. Moisture allows mold to grow and thrive, and a professional may need to be brought in for mold testing and removal.

SC Property Inspections serves the Lowcountry with home inspection services and radon testing. Contact us to book an appointment.

4 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality