Home Tips: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your home may be your safe haven after a long day at work; however, there are chances that your humble abode may not be as safe as you once thought. Find out ways in which you can improve air quality at home.

Indoor air quality is something that most people often overlook. While you may have tightly shut windows and regularly cleaned surfaces, there are still some chances that the air you breathe at home isn't as safe.

According to Realty Times, the presence of a furnace at home can sometimes contribute to what is called the "sick house syndrome." This syndrome can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and can become a risk factor for other major illnesses.

This syndrome is a result of the build up of certain pollutants like dust mites, mold spores and viruses that breed when your house isn't properly ventilated. Your furnace at home can contribute to this build up if not maintained properly.

The publication advised on the regular changing of filters in order to trap these pollutants and prevent them from getting into your bodies. There are a variety of filters available in stores with ratings on efficiency on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 being the most efficient.

In terms of maintaining indoor air quality, the recommended rating is 7 to 13 and anything higher than that is advised in hospitals and areas, which need thorough removal of airborne particles.

Aside from keeping your furnace in its tip-top shape, Green Guard recommended several ways to improve indoor air quality.

It is important to avoid smoking indoors and using harsh, solvent-based cleaners at home. It would also be best to keep all activities, which can create pollution, outside of your house.

Controlling moisture indoors is also a must do and the presence of a dehumidifier can help control humidity levels at home. Certain house plants can also help, but caution must be exercised, as over-watering can also lead to mold growth.