Breathable air is one of the basic necessities to live. However, it is difficult to pay attention to the quality of the air that you breathe, especially since you cannot measure it without special scientific equipment. Foul smells will not give you enough information. Without even noticing, improving indoor air quality may affect your household.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality may not directly affect your belongings, but it will definitely show in your family’s health. It is important to observe how your family is feeling. This will help you determine the best steps to take in order to improve the air in your home. Here are the most common effects of poor indoor air quality:

● Eye, nose, and throat irritation

Microscopic particles like dust can get suspended in the air that circulates inside your home. These tiny molecules can enter your eyes, nose, and throat, and cause an itchy sensation. This can happen even after a single exposure.

● Headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Some of these microscopic particles in the air are made of toxic materials that can cause you or a family member to feel light headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This is usually an immediate effect that you can observe after a few minutes of staying inside.

● Symptoms of allergies

Allergens may also be floating in the air you breathe. For example, if you are allergic to pets, even if a pet is not nearby, its fur or dander may affect you because it is flowing through the air.

● Symptoms of diseases like asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever

Similarly, unhealthy air can also trigger several diseases that affect a person’s sensitivity to unwanted particles in the air. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or humidifier fever, and you have observed that your symptoms are recurring, then you should do something to improve the indoor air quality.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

If you experiencing any of the symptoms listed more than a few times, then you should consider switching up your routine to make sure that you have the best quality air inside. Luckily, you do not have to make massive changes, but these little tips will have a huge impact on the freshness of the air in your space.

● Practice routine cleaning daily, weekly, and monthly.

This simply means keeping surfaces free from clutter, dust, and pathogens.

● Choose the appropriate indoor plants.

Some indoor plants are susceptible to mold growth, so make sure to choose those that are safe for both your pets and family.

● Replace your HVAC filter regularly.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, units are equipped with a filter that cleans the air before it is circulated around your house. At least a monthly replacement of the filter will suffice.

● Hold an annual checkup for your HVAC.

Even if your filter is always clean, if your HVAC’s parts are not functioning properly, then it will not be able to circulate the best and cleanest air. At least once a year, call a licensed technician to check up on your HVAC’s condition.

It is important to look after your family’s health, and improving indoor air quality of your home is one way to do it. Although you may not notice much of a difference in the air you breathe, you can rest assured that your family will be safe from breathing any toxic particles.