Can you believe that we’re almost two years into the Covid-19 pandemic? Many thought it would be nothing to worry about when it first began.
Adjusting our lives was necessary to ensure we stayed safe and limited the spread of the virus. Wearing our masks, taking the vaccine, and socially distancing were some measures we used.
However, ventilation was also crucial in stopping the spread of Covid-19. By improving indoor air quality, you could remove any airborne particles carrying the virus.
Although the pandemic seems like it’s winding down, you’ll still need to maintain a solid level of indoor air quality. Learn how you can do so in our guide below.
1. Open Windows
One of the simplest methods suggested for improving indoor quality is opening your windows. Understandably, you may not want to because it’s cold outside.
But doing so creates natural ventilation by introducing outside air to your indoor space. Don’t worry; you won’t need to keep your windows open for hours.
Instead, you can open them for a few minutes each hour to refresh the air. If you want to increase the amount of airflow, you can open multiple windows and doors on opposite sides of the room.
However, if you’re in a room with only one window, place a pedestal fan in front of it. Doing this will help improve the air quality while also pushing the indoor air outside.
2. Using Air Conditioning
While air conditioning can be beneficial in helping us stay cool, it can also help with the spread of the virus. How? Most units recirculate indoor air instead of filtering it, meaning any airborne particles will continue to thrive.
But you can still open your windows to help with the ventilation. On the other hand, you can adjust the settings if you have a centralized air conditioning system, pulling in more outside air.
That way, you won’t need to worry too much about your indoor air quality if you cannot open any windows. However, be sure you schedule the necessary inspections to ensure your HVAC system is running as it should be.
3. Using Air Filters
Unfortunately, there may be some spaces that you can’t ventilate because there’s no way for airflow to get through. But you can improve the air quality with the help of air filters.
Although these devices do not replace ventilation efforts, they can reduce the risk of Covid spreading by cleaning the air. Here’s how they work:
- Air passes through a filter screen
- The filter catches any dirt, debris, and potential viruses
- Once the filter is full, it’s replaced with a new one, and the process repeats
It’s important to note that the filter media will determine your filter’s effectiveness. The higher its quality, the more particles will get filtered.
However, it would be best to open up a window or door when using these devices for maximum effectiveness.
4. Checking Air Ducts
Air ducts are responsible for distributing the hot and cold air throughout your home. But they can also be a breeding ground for dust, mold, and other air pollutants.
As these contaminants gather over time, they can significantly reduce air quality in your home. Ensure you clean them periodically or replace your filters once they’re full.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
It’s no secret that a clean home can improve your mental health. But did you know that it can also help improve your home’s air quality?
Dust, animal dander (if you have pets), mold, and other irritants are significant factors for reducing home air quality. You’ll need to keep your house as clean as possible to combat these.
Clean areas that are prone to attract these contaminants include the following:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Drapes
It would help if you also tried to clear up any clutter in your home because it’s a breeding ground for clouds of dust. Another suggestion would be to opt for hard surface floorings like tile or hardwood because they could cut down on allergens.
6. Remove Indoor Plants
Indoor plants may look nice and brighten up your home’s atmosphere. Unfortunately, they can also be a reason why your indoor air quality isn’t the best.
Indoor plants can become moldy and collect dust, triggering allergies in some individuals. Furthermore, exposure to mold spores can create reactions such as:
- Lung irritation
- Wheezing
- Mold rash
- Sore throat
No one wants to go through any of these ailments. So try moving your plants outdoors to see if your air quality improves.
7. Reduce Your Home’s Humidity
It can get sweltering in the summertime, increasing the humidity in our homes. When this happens, it creates moisture in certain areas, making them breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
You can reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier. These devices remove moisture from the air, leaving you with a comfortable environment to live in.
Baking soda is another option you can use to reduce your home’s humidity. Leave some in a small container near a problem area in your house. It will reduce the moisture in the air and help improve the air quality.
Improve Your Home’s Ventilation With These Tips
Ventilation is more important now than it ever has been. We need to continue doing our part to keep Covid at bay. Follow our ventilation tips above to ensure your home’s air quality improves, and your loved ones stay healthy.
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