It’s easy to assume the air we breathe is pretty clean. The truth is, many of us aren’t even aware of the microbes and ultrafine particles that we live with every day. If you’re looking for simple strategies for how to improve air quality indoors, we’ve got you covered. Here are 6 simple steps to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in your home.
What Are The Common Air Pollutants?
The most common air pollutants found in Australian homes include:
- Dust particles and dust mites
- Combustion by-products such as particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and hydrocarbons
- Mould, mildew and fungi
- Pet dander and allergens
Why do these air pollutants matter? Over time, all of these air pollutants can negatively affect you and your family’s health. The resulting odours, dampness or stale air can also make your home much less comfortable to live in!
How To Improve Air Quality In Your Home
Tip #1: Clean Your AC Filter
Your air conditioning system is always working to maintain the perfect temperature in your home year-round. Did you know that your HVAC’s air filter is your home’s front line of defence against poor indoor air quality?
It’s true: A typical reverse cycle air conditioner circulates more than 28 cubic metres of air through its filter per minute. If your air filter is clean, it can remove up to 99% of invisible microscopic particles and dust from the air that passes through it. Ultimately, if you have reverse cycle air conditioning installed, the entire volume of air in your house will pass through a filter multiple times per day.
So how can you make the most of this? Be sure to change your AC filters regularly (at least monthly!), or look for an air conditioning service plan that includes filter changes.
Why do we recommend cleaning your air filters monthly? If your air filter is clogged or dirty, three things happen:
- Your air filter must work harder to compensate for the blockage of airflow, driving up the cost of your electricity bill
- Reduced airflow through your air conditioner may cause your heat exchange to overheat
- Your air filter will make your indoor quality worse by circulating contaminants around your home
Tip #2: Clean Your Air Ducts
A ducted air conditioner will distribute hot and cold air throughout your home to create a comfortable climate in each room. If your ducted air conditioner was not installed correctly or the ducts have not been well-maintained, they may distribute air pollutants throughout your home. Over time, dust and even mould can accumulate inside your air conditioner’s ducts, reducing the air quality inside your home. We recommend hiring an air conditioning professional to inspect your air conditioner, at least once every three to five years, to make sure your ducts are circulating fresh, clean air.
Tip #3: Turn On Your Rangehood When Cooking
Make sure your gas stove is well-ventilated. Why? Whenever you turn on your gas stove or electric stove, you actually unwittingly release air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into your kitchen air. Since these air particles can easily be absorbed into your bloodstream, we recommend turning on your range hood or opening a window while cooking to clear the air.
Tip #4: Clean Your Carpets and Rugs
Most people assume carpet and rugs are just for decoration. But rugs and carpets can act play a crucial role in your indoor air quality by trapping dust, pet dander and other particles in their fibres. All you need to do is vacuum your carpets twice a week and take your rugs outside once a week to give them a good shake. A simple and easy way to clean the air in your home!
Tip #5: Bring Plants Into Your Home
Plants are natural air filters. Bringing a few indoor plants into your home will not only enhance your home decor; they can do wonders with improving indoor air quality. Scientific studies show that peace lilies, Kimberly Queen ferns, aloe-vera and spider plants are among the most effective plants for cleaning and purifying the air.
Tip #6: Improve Ventilation and Humidity
Humidity and moisture can breed mould, mildew and fungi can trigger respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. Mould thrives in damp environments such as the bathroom, kitchen or laundry. To create comfortable, safe living conditions in your home:
- Install an air conditioner
- Improve your house’s ventilation by opening windows
- Place dehumidifiers strategically around your home
- Avoid the temptation to ‘set and forget’ your air conditioner or dehumidifier
Final Thoughts: How To Improve Air Quality In Your Home
Indoor air quality can have a huge impact on your health and comfort at home. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality:
- Clean your AC filters monthly (or hire someone else to do it)
- Hire an air conditioning professional to inspect the condition of your air ducts once every 3-5 years
- Always turn on your range hood when cooking at a gas or electric stove
- Clean your carpets and rugs weekly to remove pet dander and dust
- Purchase indoor plants to clean and purify the air
- Install an air conditioner or dehumidifier to control humidity in your home
- Regularly clean or replace your AC filter to keep your air conditioner running at its best
- Stick to a regular air conditioning servicing schedule
Keen to improve the air quality in your home by installing an air conditioner or having your AC filters cleaned? Contact Crown Power today on 0427 175 654 (Brisbane & Sunshine Coast) or on 0409 678 803 (Gold Coast).
