Improve Your Indoor Air Quality – Six Ways

Indoor air quality is critical to our overall health – especially considering the fact that we’re spending more time indoors than ever these days. The bad news is that indoor air can be four or five times more polluted than outdoor air, and we inhale about 15,000 gallons of it every day.

The good news is that you can greatly improve the quality of the air inside your home simply by making better consume and lifestyle choices.

Healthy home air with just 6 easy changes:

1. Add more plants. Plants are natural filters for toxic chemicals and vapors trapped in your indoor air. Some of the best options for the job include Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy, Ficus, Gerbera, Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Pot Mum, and Spider Plants.
2. Avoid harmful cleaners and fresheners. Many common cleaners are loaded with toxins. Find more people-friendly options – or better yet, make your own: homemade vinegar and baking soda cleaners will clean or disinfect just any material or surface. When choosing candles or any other scented products, opt for products that use essential oils rather than chemical ingredients.
3. Choose better building materials. Mold resistant fiberglass-covered drywall or gypsum board and low-VOC paint are good choices for your home improvement projects. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can cause respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment.
4. Ventilate hobby rooms. Hobbies are great, but they often use noxious materials. If you plan to do any paint stripping, soldering, gluing, painting, or other toxic activities, keep your room well-vented – or better yet, do the work outdoors.
5. Maintain your HVAC equipment. An annual tune-up will keep your forced-air furnace or air conditioner running properly, which helps maintain proper air flow – a key to better air quality.
6. Consider adding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) equipment. If budget allows, consider installing indoor air quality equipment, which can clean your air and prevent the conditions in which many microorganisms and allergens thrive. Whole-house humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purification systems will really help clear the air.

Need to improve the air quality in your central Massachusetts home? We can help. Contact Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling today for whole house humidifier and air purification installations in Middlesex and Norfolk counties, or for routine maintenance of your forced air heating and cooling system.

Please note: At Needham Oil Complete, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crew safe and your home cooling and heating systems working through this challenging time.