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5 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality on a Budget
Today’s advertisements tell us we need the top-of-the-line tech to help us achieve and maintain good indoor air quality. While those devices are certainly one way to get the job done, we can’t help but fall back on some of our tried-and-true methods that are either free or carry a much lower price tag.
Opt for open windows and window fans to help improve circulation.
If your outdoor air quality and pollen levels are safe, throw open the windows to invite some fresh air in. A breeze can help create airflow through your home, pushing out stale air and improving the smell, too.
If there’s not a breeze, consider using a window fan. On the cooler side of the house, place the fan so it’s inward facing and pulls the colder outdoor air inside. On the warmer side of the house, do the opposite. The outward facing fan will help push warm indoor air outside.
Introduce air purifying plants.
Greenery like aloe vera, spider plants, dragon plants and snake plants are known to boost indoor air quality by removing harmful chemicals — like formaldehyde and trichloroethylene — from the air. Bonus: These plants are relatively inexpensive and can liven up any indoor space. Some studies have even shown a link between plants and increased productivity.
Swap out your HVAC air filter.
Regularly changing your air filter is one of the most important things you can do to help improve your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC in working order. Compared to air purifiers, air filters are generally less expensive and extremely effective. If you’re looking for our recommendation, the Filtrete™ Smart Air Filter is the way to go. Its sensor pairs with the Filtrete™ Smart App via Bluetooth® to deliver notifications when it’s time for a change based on airflow and usage. No more guesswork!
Thoroughly clean rugs and carpets.
Sure, rugs and carpets can instantly add an element of cozy to any space, but they are notorious for harboring dust and particles in their fibers. Here comes your vacuum cleaner to the rescue! Make it a best practice to run your vacuum once a week and perhaps even more if you have pets.
Maintain healthy humidity levels.
Ideally, humidity levels in your home should fall between 30% and 50%. Too-high levels — which sometimes stem from dryers, humidifiers and stoves—can lead to mold growth. To help keep humidity at a healthier level in your home, use your air conditioner and a dehumidifier, which removes some of the moisture from the air.
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