Clean Air in Your Home_How to Keep your Family Healthy
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By FAVIOLA VALENCIA
Clean air is important for our health, but we often associate it solely with the outdoors. Pollution of all kinds can be found across the U.S., although more and more people are making an effort to reduce their consumption of fuel and energy in order to offset the effects of global warming. However, air pollution can also occur inside the home, creating issues related to mold, bacteria, dust and mites. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your house has the cleanest air possible through cleaning and the removal of pollutants.
One of the most overlooked air quality issues in a home is often the filter for the HVAC system. When the filter isn’t changed for a period of time, dust, debris, pet hair and even pollen can become trapped inside and blow right back out into your home as it gets full. Changing your air filter once a month — especially during the spring and summer, when outdoor air quality is often the worst — can help you keep your family safe and healthy.
“Always do what you love and remember to #bossupandrise”
Remove and prevent mold
Mold is a pollutant that can cause lots of problems if left untreated, from asthma to a chronic cough. If you use a rubber-backed bathmat on the floor, hang it up after each use to air dry and wash it often. Keep an eye out for standing water in the basement especially after it rains, and make sure the hot water heater is in good shape. For more on mold and its dangers, read on here.
Add some plants
Indoor plants are great for improving air quality, and they won’t break the bank, either. As a low-cost, easy-to-care-for option, you can place aloe vera plants around a room to help boost the oxygen levels and add some color. Just make sure you choose plants that are safe for pets and children and keep them out of reach out of an abundance of caution.
Dust and vacuum regularly
It can be difficult to stick to a schedule of cleaning when you already have so much on your plate, but dusting and vacuuming regularly will help you keep the air clean and reduce allergies for yourself and your family members. This is especially important if you have pets, as their hair and dander can contribute to the air quality in every room they’re in. Shake out carpets outdoors, and don’t forget to clean the furniture, especially if your pets lounge on it.
Use the A/C
You may be tempted to save on your utility bills in the spring and summer by leaving the windows open for fresh air rather than turning on the air conditioning, but you’d be surprised at how much that can change the quality of your home’s air. Pollen, spores and bugs can come in through open windows, leaving you vulnerable to allergies and sticking to your carpets and furniture. Some fresh air is fine, but using the A/C as much as possible will help eliminate some of those allergens.
Having clean air in your home is imperative when it comes to keeping your family healthy, and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Look for ways you can ensure each room in your house is clean and talk to your family members about how they can help.
So it’s so important to keep your home, office and surrounding areas clean especially for those with allergies, autoimmune disorder or medical conditions.
