Keys to Good Indoor Air Quality

Some different devices one can use to control indoor air quality are dehumidifiers, simple exhaust systems or advanced ventilation systems like Heat Recovery Ventilators. However, simple ventilation systems are usually not enough to maintain proper indoor air quality all on their own.

Some common causes of poor indoor air quality include chemical contaminants such as smoking indoors, some building materials and hobby supplies like glue. There are some ways which you may think you are improving the air quality when in fact you are covering up the real problem by using candles, scented air fresheners, scented fabric sheets, and some cleaning products. Investigate the products you are bringing into your home and switch to a non-toxic or natural product instead. There are also some biological contaminates that can cause allergic reaction and respiratory irritation which include plant pollen, dust mites, pet dander as well as mould and mildew. Excess water moisture in the air, called humidity, can also contribute to the degradation or rot of your building components.

To improve your homes air quality, a few simple steps can be taken; take your butts outside if you choose to smoke, purchase low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting building materials, switch to natural air fresheners and cleaning products, cut down on the number of indoor plants, groom your pet regularly and maintain lower humidity levels. In the event that you find mould growth you will need to properly sanitize the area to kill the growth. If you are still encountering poor air quality consult a professional to assess your home.