Did you know that 45% of metropolitan homes in the U.S. have health and safety hazards? No one wants a home contaminated with pollutants. However, many people do not know how to make their homes healthy. Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and noise levels are crucial here. These factors set the tone for your environment and determine your comfort levels.
If you want to make your space safe but don’t know where to start, let’s look into five things you can do to create a healthier home environment.
1. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Poor air quality can cause respiratory issues. It can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. In more severe cases, you might end up with a serious respiratory disease like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). As such, you must improve indoor air. The easiest thing to do here is to add air purifiers. These will remove allergens, dust, and mold spores. You can place them in high-traffic areas around your house.
Similarly, you must balance humidity levels. Too much humidity will cause mold growth. On the other hand, too little of it will dry your skin. It might also cause respiratory issues. You should use a dehumidifier in rainy or humid seasons. Then, in dry months, use a humidifier to moisten the air.
Investing in houseplants is an excellent way to enhance indoor air quality. Some indoor plants naturally purify the air. Examples include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants. They absorb toxins from the air and release oxygen. As a result, you can eliminate health hazards from your space. The greenery can also boost your mood and make you happy.
2. Control Allergens
Allergens float in the air and can trigger allergic reactions in some people. They include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Allergens can be problematic even if you are not susceptible. They might cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Here are three must-dos for allergen control:
- Regular cleaning: Use a damp cloth for dusting to prevent particles from floating in the air. You can dust every day. This is especially crucial in the summer months. Similarly, vacuum the space frequently. Use a vacuum with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. These will trap tiny allergens. Conduct a thorough cleaning session every weekend. Then, you must dust and vacuum under decoration pieces, vents, baseboards, and furniture.
- Wash bedding: Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and curtains frequently. You can clean the blankets and curtains monthly. However, try to wash sheets and pillowcases once a week. Use hot water to kill bacteria. You can also invest in hypoallergenic bedding. This will provide an added layer of protection against dust mites.
- Control pet dander: If you have pets, pet dander can be a significant allergen in your home. Regularly groom and bathe your pets. This will be good for their health, too. Use a damp brush to reduce shedding. It’s best to invest in HEPA air purifiers to eliminate pet dander in your air. This will ensure a cleaner, more breathable environment for everyone at home.
3. Regulate Temperature
Controlling indoor temperature reduces mold and mildew growth. It also improves sleep and comfort levels. It is critical for enhancing the overall quality of living. Your windows and doors play a pivotal role here. They guard against extreme outdoor conditions.
Sometimes, your windows and doors are not energy-efficient. They cause air leakage. This leads to heat gain and higher energy bills. Energy-efficient windows, on the other hand, promote comfort and convenience. They prevent cold air from entering in the winter, keeping your indoors warm. Then, in the summer, they keep the cool air in and lower the load on air conditioning.
You can get your doors and windows replaced at Zen Windows. Look into their energy-efficient designs to improve your home environment. You will see a reduction in your energy consumption. As a result, you can make your home eco-friendly. Additionally, proper insulation will keep health hazards out of your home. This way, you can upgrade your air quality without stacking up bills. Remember to make adjustments to your windows and doors. Here are a few things you should do:
- Keep the windows shut during allergy season
- Keep your windows open during nighttime in summer. This will let the cool air in. Then, shut them during the day. This way, you can prevent cool air from escaping. You can open them during the day if the weather outside becomes breezy.
- Seal any gaps in the windows and doors during the winter months. This will prevent drafts. Consequently, you can keep your space cozy.
4. Minimize Exposure to Chemicals
Many household items release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. They have many adverse health effects. These include short-term headaches and nausea. But that’s not all. There are also severe long-term problems. They can damage your liver and kidneys. They can also harm your pets, causing cancer.
Disinfectants and cleaners are two primary sources of VOCs. As such, you must switch to non-toxic supplies. Use plant-based detergents. These are free from bleach and ammonia. Similarly, you can create your own cleaning solutions. DIY these using natural items like vinegar, baking soda, etc.
Paints and other solvents also release VOCs. So, you must take adequate precautionary measures. Ensure proper ventilation during renovations. Disperse fumes by opening windows and switching on fans. You should also use air purifiers. Additionally, consider using low or zero-VOC paints. These may cost more but will benefit you in terms of your quality of life and health.
5. Noise Control
Excessive noise can be annoying. More than that, though, it can significantly impact your health. Constant exposure can cause high-stress levels, disrupted sleep patterns, or cardiovascular problems. To counter this, you can noise-proof your home.
Install double-glazed storm windows to block external noise. Consider getting soundproof doors with weatherstripping. These upgrades can give you mental relaxation. As a result, you can live a peaceful and healthy life.
Endnote
Your home environment should elevate your well-being. You should have a healthy and safe space free from pathogens and loud noises.
Follow the tips above to achieve this. Remember, improving your space is a long-term investment. You will be paid back in better physical and mental health and comfort.
