According to the Environmental Protection Agency and others, the air inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air we breathe outside. This is quite incredible considering that the outside air is exposed to major sources of contamination, like coal-fired power plants, natural gas, and the exhaust from millions and millions of vehicles. The health risk posed by this pollution can drastically reduce your quality of life, which is why Premier Heating and Air offers comprehensive air quality assessment services in addition to HVAC installation and repair.
In the first post in this series, we discussed the importance of taking steps to improve the quality of air in your home. These included increasing active and passive ventilation, taking advantage of HEPA filters in your central air systems and portable air purifiers, and getting rid of products in your home that increase the concentration of pollutants, like air fresheners and high-VOC carpeting. However, these aren’t the only steps you can take to improve air quality inside your house. Here are some more easy solutions!
Try A Himalayan Salt Lamp
You might have seen these light pink crystal lamps in the office of your massage therapist or being sold at specialty shops in the mall. Made from the unique pink salt extracted from the Himalayan mountains, these decorative items can actually be an effective way to extract toxins from the air. Here’s how Apartment Therapy explains it: “When the 200-million-year-old crystallized salt is heated by the small bulb inside, it releases negative ions which are known to neutralize pollutants in the air.”
Make Friends With Some House Plants
Like the salt lamps, house plants are another method for improving air quality that can also beautify your home. Many of the plants that are most efficient at removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene are also the most low-maintenance. According to a NASA study into air purifying house plants, Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, Lady Palm, and Spider Plant, are all champions at extracting toxins. Utilize one plant per 100 square feet of your home for maximum purification.
Bags Of Bamboo Charcoal
Activated bamboo charcoal is used in beautifying products and water filtration systems because it’s very effective at trapping contaminants, and it can do the same for your indoor air. Because charcoal is very porous, it can absorb and trap common pollutants like bacteria and allergens. It can also help trap excess moisture, which prevents mold and mildew.
If you’ve been experiencing chronic respiratory problems, itchiness in your nose, eyes, or throat, nausea, and dizziness that can’t be explained by other health conditions, you may be exhibiting symptoms of prolonged exposure to polluted indoor air.
Premier Heating and Air is always ready to help you discuss ways to improve your indoor air quality and get relief from these issues. Whether or not you’re already in the market for HVAC installation and repair, we can come to your home and conduct a full air quality assessment. We’ll help you identify potential pollutants as well as affordable solutions. Contact us today!
