Your indoor air is not necessarily cleaner than the outside air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people spend 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air pollution can cause serious health issues. Unfortunately, you may notice the health effects of indoor air pollution immediately or many years after exposure.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality around and inside structures and buildings, especially concerning the occupant’s comfort and health. Some of the common pollutant sources include but are not limited to:
- Dust
- Household cleaning and maintenance products, including personal care products
- Tobacco products
- Fuel-burning combustion devices
- Pesticides
- Air conditioning and ventilation systems
- Outdoor air pollution
- Newly installed carpet, flooring, and upholstery
The best way to mitigate indoor air pollution diseases and improve comfort is to remove or reduce pollutant sources. You can use various devices to ventilate the room with clean air, as filtration can be a practical supplement to source control and ventilation.
Here are the top four gadgets that can reduce indoor air pollution.
1. Humidifiers
If you heat your home through a heating and cooling system, your air will likely be dry. When using these systems, you will hardly consider the humidity levels as long as your home heats up to a comfortable temperature during the cold seasons. Dry air leads to dry skin and respiratory problems.
Humidifiers can efficiently help you heat your home and improve the air quality. Additionally, with a humidifier, you will:
- Sleep better
- Lower allergens in your home
- Assist your HVAC system
- Breathe comfortably
Humidifiers integrated into your home’s heating system use steam to add moisture into the air before it reaches your living space.
2. Dehumidifier
This second device may contradict the first point, but too much moisture in the air can also be a source of air pollution. Maintaining proper humidity levels is the most critical thing in your home, with the EPA recommending 30%—50%. Moist air can make the room feel stuffy and uncomfortable and worsen respiratory conditions.
With a dehumidifier, you can;
- Enjoy overall reduced costs on electricity bills as the AC will run more efficiently.
- Protect your home’s structure, like wood floors, musical instruments, walls, electronics, and photos.
- Control dust in the room, making it difficult for dust mites, mold spores, and bacteria to grow.
A dehumidifier works hand in hand with your existing central air conditioning system. In this case, your air conditioner will not have to work hard to ventilate the room, as levels will adjust automatically after you have set the desired levels.
3. Fresh Air Dampers
Your HVAC system has dampers installed in various parts of the system. They allow and prevent air from passing the air ducts and vents, ensuring all rooms receive conditioning equally. A fresh air damper can significantly improve indoor air quality. The benefits to expect from using this gadget include;
A positive pressure while the fun is running prevents outdoor pollutants from entering the building.
Reduced heat loss or gain from your home’s insulation as it can add 5 – 10% air volume, maintaining a fresh supply of indoor air. It improves the overall efficiency of your combustion using appliances as they increase oxygen levels.
However, not all fresh air dampers are manufactured equally. Some use an electric motor to control the damper, others use a handle or knob, and you can modulate some using sensor feedback.
4. Air Scrubbers
Initially designed for the International Air Space Station to keep the air in a closed environment clean, air scrubbers use ultraviolet light to sanitize air passing through your HVAC system. They are best if you:
- Suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma
- Want to reduce dust, pollen, or pet dander in your home
- Dislike the smell of dampness, pet odors, or last night’s cooking
- Desire cleaner bathroom and kitchen surfaces
The ultraviolet light can eliminate viruses, mites, bacteria, or dust in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, improving indoor air quality.
In Conclusion
Fresh and clean indoor air is vital for good health and comfort. Since most people spend their time in buildings, it’s advisable to make the air liveable. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
The abovementioned gadgets are just a few ways to improve indoor air quality. Other tips include grooming your pet(s), opening the windows, and cleaning the ducts, floors, fans, and registers.
