5 Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality

When was the last time that you took a deep breath in your home? What did the air taste like? How easy was it for you to inhale without coughing or gagging? This may surprise you, but even if you exhibit none of the problems described, the air quality you breathe in daily could be unsatisfactory.

Air quality is directly linked to the allergies that people acquire or more serious issues such as asthma. When people think of poor air quality, airborne viruses and pollen may spring to mind. But that’s not the only thing that you should be worried about. Here’s what you can do to improve the air in your home, and how to keep it that way.

1. Get a good quality air conditioning unit

The function of an air conditioner isn’t to only cool your indoor space. They also serve to dehumidify rooms. But with the right brand and model, you can clear up bad air by running it as normal. Remember, all ACs have filters. Whether you need a split or ducted system, the filter service clears away particulate matter in the air as much as possible.

Newer AC units do this more efficiently than an aged model. Unless you’ve managed good upkeep on your old AC, purchasing a new unit could be the trick that prevents you from getting allergies and sinuses. But what’s the best air conditioner for this? There are many good names out there, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hair and Panasonic.

2. Change out your filters

Even with a new AC, you’re still going to have to change out the filters. Find out the make of filters your AC uses. Traditional ACs used a mix of disposable and reusable filters. However, many ducted and split systems rely only on reusable vents that should be changed out once or twice a month.

Of course, predicated on where you live and the amount of dust that’s in the air, the filters may need changing more often. You can tell just by observing the filters. Open up the hatch to the interior portion of the AC. If you notice lots of caked-on dirt clinging to the mesh material, it’s time to wash them out.

There’s no science behind this. Simply place the filters under a faucet and use warm water to rinse them back clean. If you don’t want to get your sink dirty, it’s suggested that you use a hose to wash them outside. Regularly keeping your filters clean can freshen up your home’s air and reduce odors, especially if you have pets.

3. Remove dust from your electronics

Many electric appliances are prone to getting dirty very fast. Take a look at the rear end of your TV, washer, speakers, or any other device with a hard plastic exterior. If you’ve neglected to clean these areas, it could be the source of dust that’s kicked back into the air whenever someone interacts with it.

Your washer, for example, could spread dormant dust every time you slam the door to the machine shut. Use a microfiber cloth or towel to remove this debris. You’ll bring the dust levels down around the device, which in turn eliminates dust in the air.

Using these simple tips, you’ll be set to breathe easier, keeping you healthier and lowering your risk of getting sick.