There’s nothing more obvious than the importance of air and breathing. It’s quite literally something we need to live. However, the quality of the air we breathe is not always a guarantee. The world is getting more and more polluted, and if you live in the city, you have to deal with smog and a smoky environment 24/7. This leads to a number of breathing disorders that make life a lot harder.
Research has shown that bad quality outdoor air can exacerbate breathing disorders, allergies, and asthma. Breathing outside is an inevitable predicament, but that doesn’t mean we have to constantly stress our lungs. We simply need to provide respite for our tired body, and that includes our lungs. You can start doing this by making sure that the air you breathe at home is of good quality and devoid of air pollution.
Is Your Home’s Air Quality Good?
The air quality in your home has great effects on your overall health and wellness. If you’re constantly feeling light-headed, out of breath, or find yourself having allergy attacks, it might be best to look at the air quality in your home. Air pollution isn’t exclusive to city centers and trafficked roads- it can be present in our homes too. Indoor air can also include a wide variety of allergens, like mold, pet dander, and dust. There might also be chemicals from paint, furniture, and building materials that are released into the air and affect your family’s health.
With this in mind, there is no need to think that your family is in great danger. It’s not too late to make your house a better and healthier space for you and your family. You can minimize the risk of breathing disorders by following these tips.
Get Proper Ventilation
One of the reasons a room feels stuffy is because of bad ventilation. Having dirty filters on your air conditioning or heating system can prevent the air from flowing properly, and can lead to mold and dust buildup. Have your heating or air conditioning unit maintained by a professional regularly, especially if you have furry pets.
However, if you have your ventilation system regularly checked and maintained, you can do minor cleaning on your own. You can simply turn off the power, and use a brush to clean the grates, and then vacuum it off. This is helpful, as dust can build in a span of a few days, and doing this can help prevent the spread of dust.
Open Doors and Windows Every Now and Then
With many new homes having air conditioners and complex cooling or heating solutions, many people tend to close their windows all year long. This can result in a heavy build-up of allergens and dangerous chemicals in the air inside your home. It’s best to open the windows every now and then, just to make sure that the air is circulating.
While it might not be a good idea to open your windows all the time if you live near a very busy road, you should still open them a few times a year to allow the place to ventilate properly. If you’re fortunate enough to live outside the city and near the natural environment, try to keep your windows open. Install a screen door to keep bugs out.
Keep Your House Clean
While it may sound like very simple and basic advice, keeping your house clean goes a long way. Not only are you keeping your house tidy and organized, by keeping it clean and hygienic, but you’re also actually protecting your family from diseases caused by germs and bacteria. This includes those that are airborne and affects our breathing.
Make sure to vacuum carpeted areas, as they can be a breeding spot for germs. Wipe down surfaces such as bookshelves, hanging shelves, cabinets, and other areas where dust frequently builds up. Throw away or clean any moldy objects as they can add to the stuffiness in the air. And don’t forget to wear a mask while you’re doing this, as cleaning the house without one can be a very unpleasant experience.
Use Houseplants
Decorative plants have become a popular trend recently, and for good reason. It has relaxing properties, offering relief for our eyes, and making a room feel a lot more organic. However, houseplants can also offer an added benefit: it can help purify the air.
If you find that the air in your home is musty or stuffy, and you’ve done all you could to make it better but to no avail, try putting up houseplants. They might be just what you need to make your house feel a lot healthier.
