When people start sneezing, coughing, or experiencing itchy eyes, many of them go to the doctor to get professional advice. In some cases, even after rounds of tests and prescriptions, the issue persists. Instead of assuming that the problem is internal, patients should also consider the fact that their home environments might be at the root of their ailments. Poor air quality at home, for example, can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms. In some cases, bad indoor air quality can seriously heighten certain conditions in both people and pets. Learning about ways to control air quality at home can help.
Deal with Mold Problems
Mold at home has the potential to lead to breathing problems or to exacerbate certain respiratory issues. Getting rid of mold isn’t necessarily as simple as taking out a rag and some cleaning solution. Mold can quickly grow back. Homeowners should consider working with experts from waterproofingspringfieldmissouri.com to identify the source of the mold. If the source isn’t dealt with, the problem is likely to quickly return. Speaking with the professionals about ways to eliminate the current mold growth and to prevent regrowth is a smart idea. The decrease of mold in the house can make for healthier living.
Schedule HVAC Inspection
Heating and cooling units help to keep the home comfortable. However, dirty systems could also be blowing pollutants into the air. Scheduling regular maintenance on home HVAC systems is a prudent way to keep this problem under control. Old HVAC units could also lead to indoor air quality issues. In some situations, the units will simply need a cleaning or some simple updates. In other cases, the professionals might recommend a full replacement. Maintaining health at home can be worth the costs. Homeowners should also regularly clean external components of their systems. For example, wiping down the heating baseboards can prevent the spread of dirt in the house. People should make sure they are only cleaning the components in a safe manner and with the correct products.
Purchase an Air Purifier
A surefire way to get cleaner air at home is to purchase an air purifier. Some people choose to keep air purifiers in their bedrooms so that they can sleep more soundly. During the day, some individuals don’t notice the extra coughing or sneezing, but as soon as they start to settle down for bed, these issues come to the surface. Check to ensure that the air purifier is safe for the home, family and pets. Speaking with a doctor can help in determining the best model to get for the family’s individual needs.
Get Some Air Circulating
Many people find that they experience more symptoms of poor indoor air quality during the winter months. While there are a variety of reasons, one possible cause is the lack of indoor air circulation. People and pets come into the house and drag mud, dirt, spores from plants, dust, and other irritants into the house. The doors and windows are then shut to keep out the cold, and these irritants stay inside of the home. It’s true that keeping the windows open on the chilliest days of the winter is unreasonable, cracking one window during more milder times can improve the air quality of the home.
Check the Kitchen
Having an inspection of the oven and stove can help to reveal any problems that are contributing to bad indoor air quality. Also, some of these issues could even be dangerous, so immediate resolution is necessary. Older kitchens might also be in need of some upgrades. For example, cooking vents and a fan above the stove can seriously help with indoor air quality, particularly in the kitchen area. Keep in mind that these upgrades should be completed by professionals. Working with a representative from the construction company can also help homeowners to learn about other improvements that can be made to better the quality of air at home.
Do Regular Cleaning
No matter how often the windows are open or how modern the HVAC units are, homes still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Dusting, disinfecting, mopping, and vacuuming all play a role in maintaining a suitable living environment. With the busy schedules of many people in the modern era, finding the time to clean can be difficult. Some people may want to hire a cleaning company to do the work. Even if having a maid come in regularly is out of the budget, a one-time cleaning can refresh the house. Also, many people work from home on at least a part-time basis now. Instead of taking a nap or going out to lunch during work breaks, homeowners can get some chores around the house done at least a couple of times per week. Make sure to tend to any fabric, such as rugs, carpets and curtains, as these home features can trap pollutants.
Become a Shoes-Off Household
Pollutants can get tracked into the house on people’s shoes. While homeowners might not notice a tremendous difference in the air quality, they may see some small improvements if the home becomes a shoes-off household. Placing a shoe rack or a storage bin near the front door can help everyone to remember to take their shoes off. Sometimes, hosts feel awkward asking their guests to take off their shoes. In this case, homeowners can allow guests to wear shoes and keep the shoes-off policy strictly for family members who live in the home. A deep cleaning with vacuuming and mopping after the guests leave can aid in getting rid of the pollutants.
Having clean, breathable air at home is certainly important. In addition to making for a comfortable environment, clean air also promotes good health. Homeowners can try out numerous techniques to better the quality of the air in their homes. After making these improvements, people may find that they are able to breathe more easily, and they may even discover that some symptoms of certain health conditions are alleviated.
