With cold weather approaching, homeowners will be spending more and more time inside. In fact, according to an official report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends around 90% of their time
indoors. That time results in a high amount of health issues relating to indoor contaminants such as dust, mold, and various gases. Therefore, every homeowner should be wary of these dangers, as well as how to avoid them.
There are several ways to improve the air quality inside your home:
Keep Indoor Plants
The positive effect of houseplants is impressive. Not only are they are able to reduce CO2, but they can significantly lower indoor air pollution. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylene are a primary target of indoor plants, some of which are related to disinfectants, paint, paint thinner, and other chemical-based household items.
Keeping indoor plants is undoubtedly a healthy choice. During winter, however, caring for houseplants is not an easy task. Homeowners who found plant-care effortless during the summer months may become discouraged as the short days and cold weather hurt the vitality of their greenery. Here are a few ways to improve the life of your indoor plant:
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Water thoroughly
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Avoid over watering
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Improve humidity
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Fertilize
Ensure Sealed Ducts
One of the most critical aspects of home air quality is properly sealed ducts. While this relates heavily to
heating and cooling efficiency, air quality certainly includes the comfort of a home. During wintertime, cold air enters through hidden cracks in the duct system of your home, decreasing both the efficiency of the heating and the comfort of those living inside. By hiring duct sealing professionals, you can drastically improve the airflow in your home.
Additional leaks can be sealed by using tools such as spray foam to cover cracks around doors, windows, and vents. These leaks are easier to overcome, and can be eliminated through a simple visit to the hardware store.
Inspect Attic Insulation
Insulation is a two-fold topic. First, it is important to have the correct type of crawlspace and attic insulation. This is similar to duct sealing as it relates directly to the air flow and utility efficiency in the home. Loose fill insulation, for example, is able to fill small spaces that could be decreasing the effectiveness of a home’s heating and cooling system.
Second, it is important to have clean insulation. Weather issues, rodent infestation, and old insulation can all contribute to poor air quality in the attic and consequently the home. By hiring a
professional weatherization and cleaning company, you can have both the attic and crawlspace inspected and cleaned. This has the potential to greatly improve the quality and comfort of your home’s air.
