Long winters give you cabin fever? Or perhaps you’ve been hiding from a hot summer in the AC.
That stuffy feeling may not be all in your head. Windows closed for weeks in a row can trap dust, mold, gasses, fumes, and other airborne particles. And stagnant indoor air can cause you to feel pretty crummy. We’re talking about headaches, fatigue, and breathing issues. No fun!
We covered all of the common pollutants in our guide to indoor air quality. The trick to improving it, however, is getting fresh air in and keeping pollutants out.
Not quite ready to invest in a fancy home ventilation system? No worries! You can clean up your air without breaking the bank.
Try these seven simple air quality improvement strategies and see if they help you breathe a bit easier.
1. Use your vent fans
Moisture in your bathroom can lead to mold, cooking can create airborne grease and smoke, and household cleaners can release fumes. Bathrooms and kitchens usually have vent fans to help with these issues. Make a habit of turning them on while you cook, clean, or shower.
2. Watch your home’s humidity levels
Humidity can lead to mold growth and create a cozy habitat for dust mites. Keep your home’s indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50%. To test your levels, try a hygrometer (some cost less than $10). To lower humidity, run your vent fans when you shower and cook. Dehumidifiers lower humidity, too. They typically cost a few hundred bucks and increase your electric bill a bit, but that’s still better than paying for mold removal!