How to improve indoor air quality.

How to improve indoor air quality.

How to improve Indoor Air Quality.

The fact is we consume more air than we drink water or eat food, estimated at 3000 gallons a day.

For this reason, we should make sure the air inhaled is as clean as possible. Breathing for health and performance has become a topic that I spent quite a bit of time on as its much deeper than one would expect.
In light of the current poor outdoor air quality due to the raging wildfires in California, breathing clean air became a current topic.
Only after using a smart air purifier did I become aware of the drop in quality when searing, or airing out when the outdoor air was less than desirable.
The following are tips to help improve your air quality.

  • Review outdoor quality before airing out your house. check https://www.airnow.gov/
  • Replace your air conditioner filters frequently.
  • Have your ducts cleaned as needed, air conditioning, and dryer ducts.
  • Avoid scented candles and air fresheners, your pets will appreciate it. If you must add a scent use pet-safe essential oils like lavender.
  • Get an air purifier with a carbon filter like the Coway AP1512 which seems to provide the best value. (no smart features)
  • Smart purifiers that actively measure quality may be a good option to help you understand where pollutants may come from.
  • Always use the cooking vent hood and on the highest setting especially when frying or searing.
  • Change the filters of the vent hood frequently as the hydrocarbons clog the filters severely.
  • Use cooking fats with a high smoke point like tallow to avoid toxic hydrocarbons its healthier anyway.
  • Indoor plants help purify the air, good options are the spider plant, aloe vera, fern, bamboo, don’t forget to water them.
  • Vacuum frequently, a high-quality vacuum cleaner will actually help improve air quality while cleaning, look for certifications from the lung association. Cheap vacuums may spread dust into the air.
  • Avoid using aerosol sprays for obvious reasons, you don’t want to breathe suspended droplets.
  • Unplug unused electronics and appliances.
  • Brush your pets outside.
  • Sear or cook outside as much as possible.
  • When buying new rugs or mats, unpack them outside and let them outgas.
  • Schedule painting or adhesive applications for the cooler days when you can air out.
  • Avoid storing cardboard in the house, especially boxes.
  • Dust frequently using microfiber towels.
  • Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
  • Soak your beans and replace the water while cooking its common courtesy. 😉
  • Breathe through your nose as much as possible.

I hope you benefit from these tips.
Stay calm, stay healthy, breathe.

Rob

 

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