7 Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home

Posted by Doug Gardner on 5th Aug 2014

If you’re like many who have allergies or a weak or sensitive immune system, it isn’t always pollen that can throw you out of whack. Sometimes it is bad air that makes you feel miserable.

You think that once inside your home you have found refuge and can relax. Surely the air inside your closed-up house is better than the polluted air outside, right? Well, not so fast.

The Importance of Good Indoor Air

While the air inside your home isn’t likely to be as filled with pollutants like the outside air, it can contain particles that can cause breathing discomfort and nuisance. The accumulation of dust and dirt that accumulates on the floor and on objects and the bacteria and microbes from sneezes and coughing can linger in the air. While these microscopic particles may not cause any noticeable discomfort for some people, they can easily trigger allergy symptoms which can make your life miserable.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) says, we spend 90% of our day indoors, meaning indoor air quality is important. Additionally, the USCPSC mentions those exposed to indoor air pollutants the most, such as the young, the elderly, the chronically ill and those suffering from respiration or cardiovascular disease, are also those most susceptible to its negative affects such as asthma, respiratory problems, dizziness and headaches. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental hazards of all time. Pollutants like dust mites, mold, radon, carbon, smoke, carbon monoxide, etc. linger in the air where it creates a dangerous environment for family members.

Like tap water that can be filtered so that you can enjoy the full benefits of the water’s healthy minerals, so too can the air inside your home. Unlike a singular filtration system, there are multiple ways to improve the air quality inside your home.

According to the EPA, there are three categories of indoor air purification: source control, ventilation improvement and air cleaners. With source control, the source of the air pollutant is found and destroyed. Ventilation improvement uses moving air to lower the concentrations of pollutants in the air. Air cleaners collect and filter the air, removing harmful irritants.

Below are some of the specific ways you can clean up the air in your home:

#1) Change Your Air Filter

When was the last time you changed the air filter in your home? A good rule of thumb is to change your HVAC filter at least once a month. This will ensure your system is able to filter out pollutants, resulting in cleaner air and greater energy efficiency. These are also great opportunities to clean out your air ducts as those are great places for dust to accumulate.

#2) Check Dryer and Bathroom Exhaust Vents

One of the most common sources of mold in the home is from dryer and bathroom exhaust vents being ran to the attic instead of outside. Exhaust vents that are ran inside the home allow moist create ideal breeding grounds for mold. The moist, warm air emitted from dryer and bathroom exhaust vents can create dangerous black mold that leaves you and your family susceptible to illness. Check to make sure all exhaust vents -- bathroom and dryer -- are ran to the outside of your home and not the basement or attic.

#3) Keep Humidity Under 50%

High humidity is bad for a number of different reasons; it contributes to the growth of mold, promotes rotting, and creates the perfect environment for dust mites to thrive. You can protect your home from these adverse effects by maintaining a relative humidity of 50% or less. If your home measures higher than this amount, use a dehumidifier to create a more suitable environment.

#4) Keep a Clean House

A clean house will not only look great, but it cuts down on the amount of accumulated dirt and dust. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, wiping and dusting can cut down on dirt, dust and pet dander which are the common sources of allergy triggers. Additionally, regular cleaning of drapes and bedding can reduce the amount of allergens that are emitted into the air.

#5) Keep the Plants Outside

While indoor plants emit beneficial oxygen, they can also be sources of mold growth and foster the proliferation of bacteria from decaying plant matter. Indoor plants for some give more problems than benefits.

#6) Air Out Occasionally

While you may be tempted to keep windows and doors shut to keep the bad air outside, occasionally letting fresh air from the outside in to circulate through the house can eliminate and stir up the stagnant, particle filled indoor air. Occasionally using the fans will also circulate the stale air as well as reduce the amount of dust and dirt that settles on the fan blades.

#7) Install a Water Fountain

The benefits of indoor water fountainsare many. Not only do they enhance the look of a space and create a pleasant ambience, but they can help clean the air. The water from the fountains catch and hold pollutants in the air, preventing them from flowing throughout your home. This occurs by the production of negative ions that are then emitted into the air, attacking the air pollutants. The clean air makes it more refreshing to breathe and helps one to think clearly. When the water evaporates from your indoor water features, negative ions are released. These negative ions cleanse the air, making it more refreshing to breathe. The clean air also helps you think more clearly and focus better.

Both wall mounted and free standing indoor fountains can also be great humidifiers, which are great for those who are suffering from congested.

Types of Indoor Fountains

There are three main types of indoor water fountains: wall mounted, free standing and tabletop.

Wall Mounted.The indoor home waterfalls are rectangular in shape and hang on the wall. Each one has a small, discreet reservoir at the bottom where the pump is located that recirculates the water. Wall mounted fountainscome in various sizes and range from one to three panels that are made from glass, fiberglass, stone, slate, resin stainless steel or copper.

Free Standing.These indoor home fountains are larger than the wall mounted fountains and feature a sturdy and heavy reservoir on the bottom which enables the fountain to be stable and stand upright. These indoor fountains come in the same material options as wall mounted fountains and come with additional add-ons like LED lighting.

Tabletop.The indoor waterfalls are the smallest and lightest of the home waterfalls as they are designed to sit atop a table or desk. These fountain come in a greater array of shapes and colors than wall mounted or free standing fountains.

Indoor home fountains are one of the many ways one can improve the air quality in their home. Besides fountains, keeping one’s house and air ducts clean and circulating air throughout the house are some other ways to improve air quality.

Whether you’re looking for an indoor fountain to enhance the look of your home or to better the indoor air quality, Water Gallery has a large variety of wall mounted, free standing and tabletop indoor fountains available to choose from. Contact ustoday to learn more about our fountains and which one will best meet your needs.