Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, be it at home, at the office, or a retail outlet. Unfortunately, indoor air can have concentrations of pollutants two to five times higher than that of outdoors.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to various health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, and even long-term diseases.
Thankfully, there are a variety of indoor air quality products available that can help improve the air you breathe in your home. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best products to consider for your home, so let’s get started on this home improvement and health-enhancing journey.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are essential to improve indoor air quality. They do this by removing pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from the air. These devices use filters or advanced technologies like HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) or UV-C to trap and neutralize harmful particles.
Since indoor air quality has become a top concern for customers, lots of new air purifiers with ever-improving technology are being released into the market. So you can take advantage of this trend and buy a high-quality one for your home.
One of the top-rated air purifiers on the market is the Dyson Pure Cool TP04. It combines a HEPA filter with a powerful fan to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Additionally, it offers real-time air quality monitoring and can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.
Humidifiers
Maintaining the right level of humidity in your home is crucial for comfort and health. Dry indoor air can lead to respiratory problems, dry skin, and worsening allergies. This is even worse if you live in a cold climate where the heating system is on all winter, making things dryer.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping you achieve the ideal humidity level.
The Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is a popular choice. It features a UV-C light that kills germs in the water before it’s dispersed into the air, ensuring clean, moist air in your home.
Dehumidifiers
On the flip side, excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and worsen allergies. This is quite common in certain parts of the United States.
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, preventing these issues and making your home more comfortable.
The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70-Pint Dehumidifier is highly rated for its efficiency and large capacity. It can remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day, making it suitable for larger spaces.
Ventilation Systems
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Ventilation systems ensure that fresh outdoor air circulates throughout your home. This reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants.
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) like the Broan NuTone ERV90H are becoming increasingly popular. They bring in fresh air from the outside. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by exchanging heat between incoming and outgoing air streams.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, odorless gas that can be deadly if it accumulates in your home. It’s essential to have carbon monoxide detectors installed, especially if you have gas appliances or a fireplace. 48 U.S. states have legislation that requires carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
The Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector is a reliable choice. It provides continuous monitoring and will alert you if it detects dangerous levels of CO in your home.
Radon Detectors
Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into your home from the ground. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. Radon detectors can help you monitor and mitigate this invisible threat.
The Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector is a portable, easy-to-use device that provides accurate radon readings, giving you peace of mind about your indoor air quality.
Smart Thermostats
While not solely an air quality product, smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat can indirectly help improve indoor air quality. They can optimize heating and cooling, reducing the spread of indoor pollutants and allergens.
They can also help you save money by automatically turning down the heat or AC when not necessary, like when the house is empty.
These thermostats also often integrate with other smart home devices. This allows you to create a more comprehensive and automated approach to indoor air quality management.
Air Quality Monitors
For a comprehensive understanding of your indoor air quality, consider investing in an air quality monitor. These devices measure various parameters, including:
- Particulate matter (PM)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Humidity
They also provide real-time data on your indoor environment.
Airthings Wave Plus is a popular choice for its accuracy and ease of use. It can detect a wide range of pollutants and provides historical data to help you make informed decisions about your indoor environment.
Air Filters
Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system is a simple yet effective way to improve indoor air quality. High-quality air filters can trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, preventing them from circulating through your home.
Look for filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 8 and 13 for optimal performance. Brands like Filtrete and Honeywell offer a variety of options that fit different HVAC systems.
Plants
Don’t underestimate the power of nature in improving indoor air quality. Certain house plants are known for their air-purifying abilities. For example, the snake plant, peace lily, and spider plants can help remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
Adding some greenery to your home not only enhances its aesthetics but also contributes to a healthier living environment.
Choose the Best Indoor Air Quality Products for Your Home
It does take a bit of investment first when you have to purchase all these indoor air quality products for your home. But at least you can sleep peacefully at night knowing that your family is protected from chemical, airborne intruders.
Not sure if your home needs indoor air quality products? Elite Mold Services Inc. does indoor air quality testing so you know exactly what your baseline is and how to improve it going forward. Schedule your home IAQ test today.