05 Sep 8 tips for improving indoor air quality

When you think of air pollution, the images that come to your mind are probably traffic-clogged cities and billowing industrial smokestacks, to name a few. But have you ever thought about how safe the air inside your home is? According to a survey, indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and that’s not good news. Ever since the pandemic hit, people spend more than 80% of their time at home, and keeping a tab on the indoor air quality of houses has become more important than ever.  

The thought of your home having pollutants may sound scary but don’t panic; indoor air pollution is normal and unavoidable but may become a problem if it’s allowed to build up. So, here are some preventive measures that you can take to boost your indoor air quality and improve the quality of your health:

1. Keep your house clean:

Good indoor hygiene can significantly reduce the accumulation of pet dander, mold, and dust. Focus on vacuuming the carpets and area rugs in your house at least once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner that’s equipped with a HEPA filter. Also, regularly cleaning bedding, drapes, and other items that tend to attract allergens can also help reduce indoor pollution. 

2. Don’t allow smoking indoors:

Some indoor pollutants, such as secondhand smoke, can kill. Anyone exposed to secondhand smoke is at a higher risk of developing cancer-related health concerns. Third-hand smoke, absorbed by clothes and furniture, also poses a health risk. It’s best to avoid smoking indoors to improve indoor air quality.

3. Change your AC filter:

Air-conditioning systems always work to give you the perfect temperature throughout the year. Not only are they cycling through all the air, but they’re also filtering out some common air pollutants. These air filters fill up as time passes, and they stop doing their job. This affects indoor air quality; hence, it’s essential to service your AC periodically.

4. Use an air purifier:

Pollen and dust particles are microscopic, and cleaning something you can’t see is impossible. Investing in an air purifier can help mitigate these allergens and pollutants. The air filters do their job by drawing in dirty air, filtering it, and releasing it into the room. As a result, the air in your room will be much cleaner and fresher. 

5. Improve ventilation:

This might sound obvious but cranking open a window or two in your house is probably the cheapest and easiest way to improve the air quality in your home. Stale air is bad for your home. It is humid and has lower oxygen levels, more microorganisms, and suspended particles. By having small window openings called trickle vents, you’ll only allow a small amount of fresh air to enter sans the serious pollutants.

6. Control humidity at home:

The hot summer months in cities like Dubai can bring in humid conditions, and it’s vital to reduce the moisture in the air during such times. High humidity levels increase dampness and mold growth, leading to wheezing, coughing, and asthma in people with allergies. You can use a good humidifier that will maintain consistent humidity levels and create a comfortable condition for your home.

7. Ventilate your kitchen:

Cooking can be one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution. This is especially true if you have a gas stove. Gas stoves release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Opening the windows or turning on the exhaust fan or kitchen vents is important to filter out these pollutants.

8. Invest in indoor plants

Plants are natural air filters, and investing in a few indoor plants can do wonders to improve the air quality in your home. Depending on the space in your house, you can choose plants that don’t need a lot of maintenance. Spider plants and Terrariums not only brighten up your space but also do an excellent job of cleaning the indoor air.

Keeping the air in your home clean and pure requires diligence and preventive maintenance. By following the above steps, you can reduce indoor air pollutants at your home to a great degree and improve the air quality in your house. If you require a professional touch to help you get cleaner indoor air quality, then StargateBS is your one-stop shop.

We at StargateBS offer a range of services such as AC servicing, AC duct cleaning, mold removal, etc., to help you get cleaner indoor air. Schedule any of these services now or visit our website www.stargatebs.com for more information. You can also call us at +971-04-2249915 to discuss your specific requirements regarding home maintenance.