Are you tired of breathing stale air when indoors? Well, the good news is that you are not the only one. Poor indoor air quality is one of the most prominent issues most of us face both at home and at work. Since relying heavily on ACs has become the norm; it is no wonder that indoor spaces do not get much fresh air! It is not a lost cause, though. With some new purchases and tweaks, you can make your home or company headquarters fresh and breezy. Interested in knowing how you can achieve this? Then, check out our next few tips for more insights.
An Electric Fireplace
Let’s start with an item that will keep you cozy throughout winter! If you have been relying on a wood stove or a traditional fireplace for as long as you can remember, then it is definitely time to switch to a safer alternative. Even though wood stoves and open fireplaces can give a chic, rustic feel to any indoor space, they are inherently dangerous due to the huge amounts of smoke they emit. It does not matter how expensive the wood logs you usually purchase are, they will still emit smoke when they burn. Not only can these heating solutions bring about fits of dry cough and asthma, but they also increase the risk of fires. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, are the clear winner, as they have all the benefits of traditional wood stoves with none of the drawbacks. Because they depend on electricity to operate and do not need logs, they do not release any fumes. Electric fireplaces are also extremely elegant, which is why they can be a worthwhile addition to any home or company.
An Air Purifier
Don’t want to squander your money on products that do not work? Well, you cannot go wrong with an air purifier! This nifty gadget gets rid of mold, dust, and allergens, allowing you to breathe in fresh air and avoid health complications. However, buying a high-quality air purifier may not be as easy as it sounds, given the myriad of options available on the market. According to the information on howtohome.com, there are mainly 3 types of purifiers: ionizing, absorbent, and UV; each relies on a different mechanism. For instance, as the name suggests, UV models use ultraviolet rays to purify the air while absorbent purifiers utilize carbon to trap pollutants. Generally speaking, UV filters are better because they are capable of killing germs as well. Nonetheless, if the air in your home or workplace feels too dry, you might want to invest in an air purifier/humidifier combo instead to save costs.
Potted Plants
Using plants to enhance your indoor air quality is probably the oldest trick in the book, but that does not mean that it is less effective than the other solutions on this list. Plants function as natural air purifiers by attracting toxins and carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen. The biggest drawback of this method, however, is that you will need more than a couple of plants for optimal results. Based on a recent study, you will need to get around 10 to 20 plants to truly see a difference. And, there is always the possibility that you might be allergic to certain varieties. Nonetheless, if you are sure you are not at risk of developing an allergic reaction, make sure to stock up on different species to both decorate the area and keep the air clean.
New Filters and Ducts
As mentioned before, we have become over-reliant on air conditioners, especially during summer, but did you know that your trusty AC could do more harm than good if not maintained properly? Over time, AC filters degrade and become clogged. Then, the dust, debris, and other pollutants they are holding get re-released into the air. Even the ducts carrying cool air between rooms can get clogged themselves and cause these pollutants to spread across your home or workspace. Most experts recommend that you replace your filters every six months to stay on the safe side. As for ducts, you may need to hire a professional every year to clean them and make sure that they are in working order.
Working or living in a space full of allergens and contaminants is far from optimal. However, as you can see, you can make some changes here and there to improve your indoor air quality. Whether you want to go all-natural and stock up on plants or simply purchase an air purifier, you must keep the space itself clean to increase the potency of these solutions. In just a few days, you are guaranteed to notice a huge improvement!
