Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency says that the air in homes and buildings is often more polluted than outdoor air?
Unlike outdoor air, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk of breathing in polluted air while you’re inside. The best place to start is ensuring that there’s always adequate air circulation in a room that you’re in.
But, do you know that there are several ways you can ensure good air quality? Opening a window is a great place to start, but there’s much more to it than that. We’re here to explain in simple terms all the best ways you can breathe clean air all day.
Read on to find out more.
1. Open Windows and Doors
This one may seem obvious, but it really is one of the most simple and effective ways to improve air circulation.
Opening doors and windows are the first steps if you notice the signs of air trouble, such as noticeable odors, stuffy air, humidity, and mold. Many people opt to treat the symptoms (e.g., buy anti-mold spray) instead of addressing air circulation problems at the source. However, poor air circulation can damage your health, so it pays to get air flowing.
Opening both a door and a window is the most effective way to do this as you’ll create a flow of air into and out of the room – this means your air will be regularly replaced.
2. Get House Plants
House plants are a lovely touch for any home; they’re also functional. Plants help to purify the air that’s in each room. They filter carbon dioxide out of the air along with toxins such as trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Any plants will help improve air quality, but the best ones include spider plants, snake plants, Chinese evergreen plants, and the peace lily.
3. Use Portable Fans
The next thing to do is use portable fans. Of course, if you have an HVAC system, there’s no need to use portable fans. However, remember that every room is susceptible to poor air quality, so get fans for any rooms that don’t have other air circulation methods.
Portable fans are particularly good for hallways that don’t get much natural circulation or for putting next to a desk in a home office to ensure a constant supply of new air.
If you work from home, you’ll really notice the benefits of air circulation as your focus and energy increase.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
If you’re worried about the costs of leaving the AC running all day, ceiling fans are a great way to ensure you have fresh air in the house. They cost far less than AC and have a similar effect.
However, they aren’t as powerful as AC, so they’re best in moderate weather with medium humidity rather than at the height of summer.
5. Invest in HVAC
If you want clean air, the single best appliance to assist with this is an HVAC system. HVACs are great for large rooms and provide additional tailored comfort in terms of temperature.
Living areas are particularly prone to pollutants from dust mites, mold, secondhand smoke, and household products. It’s best to have an HVAC system to help combat this.
An HVAC will help air circulate throughout the room, but you should also leave a door open so that it can be pushed out and allow new air to enter the room.
6. Get an Air Purifier
Next, an air purifier is essential for every household. Not only does it ensure great air circulation, but it also filters out harmful particles and toxins.
If you’re looking for an all-around household solution, you can rest assured that an air purifier will help. They can reduce unwanted smells, kill germs, reduce stress, and even help with sleep – and, if you’re not a fan of mosquitoes, you’ll be pleased to know an air purifier helps repel them!
The best air purifier options will be able to filter air at nearly 100% efficiency. People with allergies and respiratory health problems can benefit from air purifiers massively.
Additionally, they’re relatively low cost, cheap to run, and typically last for years without needing any maintenance.
7. Use a Swamp Cooler
A portable evaporation cooler (otherwise known as a swamp cooler) is a cheap and handy alternative to AC. They’re portable coolers that you can move from room to room.
These coolers are perfect for dry climates and will help blow cool air into the room and force warm air out – again, it’s imperative that you leave a door or window open to create an exit and entry point.
Swamp coolers cost around $100-300, but the running costs are relatively low once you’ve invested that money. Additionally, you can buy one and move it around the house with you as you spend time in different rooms.
Ensure Great Air Circulation In a Room With These Tips
That’s everything you need to know about how you can ensure there’s adequate air circulation in a room. Each room is prone to different types of poor air quality so remember to use different techniques where needed.
The good news is that between these eight tips, you can get the highest quality air in every room of your home or workspace.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to prioritize air circulation this year! Your mind and body will thank you for it.
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