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Did you know that we spend about 90% of our time indoors? This means that it is crucial to pay attention to the air quality of the buildings we live, study, work and play in, to stay healthy.
A study that was published by the NZ Asthma Foundation in 2022 showed that 81% of New Zealanders live in areas where the average pollution levels exceed the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. That’s horrific!
Outdoor pollution is caused by factors such as vehicle fuels, the fuels we use to heat our homes and industrial processes and practices. Indoor air is affected by mould or particles released by cleaning products, furniture and building materials. Dampness, air temperature, poor ventilation, and type of heating also contribute to unhealthy environments.
Most of this is news that we’re already very familiar with. So what can we do to improve the quality of air in our homes? Aside from building a high-performing Green Abode home that comes with top-of-the-range ventilation systems that purify the air, here are some practical tips you can implement at home:
1. Get an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are great for clearing out dust, allergens, and other gunk from the air. Go for a model with a HEPA filter—it’s awesome at catching tiny particles like pollen and pet hair. Just pick one that fits the size of your room.
2. Change Your DVS/HRV Filters Regularly
Your DVS/HRV system’s filters catch a lot of dirt and dust. When they get clogged, they don’t work as well. Be sure to get these replaced regularly to keep the air in your home fresh and clean.
3. Keep Humidity in Check
Too much moisture can lead to mould, which is a big no-no for air quality. Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels between 30-50%. Also, make sure to ventilate areas like bathrooms and kitchens to keep moisture under control.
4. Ventilate Your Space
Good ventilation is key to getting rid of stale air. Open the windows when you can to let fresh air in. Use exhaust fans in places like the bathroom and kitchen to help expel humid air. If you can, install an air exchange system to bring in fresh air without losing heat.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
Cleaning helps cut down on dust and allergens. Vacuum carpets and rugs often with a HEPA filter vacuum. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent dust from flying around. Also, remember to clean your air vents and registers regularly.
6. Choose Low-VOC Products
Some products like paints and cleaners release chemicals called VOCs that can mess with your air quality. Look for low-VOC or VOC-free options to keep indoor pollution to a minimum.
7. Add Some Houseplants
Houseplants can help clean the air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Some good choices include spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies. While they won’t solve all your air quality issues, they’re a nice addition.
8. Avoid Smoking/Vaping Indoors
Smoking and vaping inside add a bunch of harmful chemicals to the air. If you smoke/vape do it outside to keep the air in your home cleaner.
9. Fix Pollution Sources
Check for things that might be polluting your air, like leaks or water damage that can cause mould. Make sure your appliances are in good shape and vented properly.
Improving air quality at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy changes like using air purifiers, controlling humidity, and keeping things clean, you can make a big difference in how you breathe and feel.
If you’ve got questions or have other work to be done on your house, the builders, roofers, painters and property maintenance staff at Orkney Group can help! Get in touch today.
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