How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Are you finding it difficult to breathe in your own home? Are indoor allergens affecting your ability to breathe? Are you zapped every time you touch a doorknob in your home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to improve the quality of air in your home. The following products can help you solve air quality problems in your home.

Air Filters

You are most likely familiar with these filters. Air filters clean the air in your ventilation system as it is circulated by your heating or air conditioning system. These are the filters that you change (or should change) about once a month. While basic air filters are rather inexpensive, a higher-quality air filter can remove more dust particles and allergens from the air in your home. When purchasing air filters, look for a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The higher the rating, the higher the filter's ability to trap small particles.

Air Purifiers

These small machines clean the air in your home. They are usually capable of cleaning the air in one room, so place the air purifier in a room where you spend the most time, such as a living room or bedroom. The air purifier draws in air through a filter, usually a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filter, that captures particles in the air. The filtered air is then blown back into the room. These machines are rather quiet and unobtrusive, and do a great job of removing dust and allergens from the air in your home.

Humidifiers

If you feel a shock every time you touch a doorknob in your home, you may need a humidifier. Dry air in a home can also cause dry skin, dry nasal passages, and sore throats. Wood in your home, such as flooring and furniture, can also be damaged by extremely dry air. Small, portable humidifiers are a good choice to add moisture to the air in a room or occasionally. If your home is extremely dry in the colder months or if you do not want to deal with portable humidifiers, you can install a humidifier to your heating system. This type of humidifier adds moisture to warm air as it exits your furnace and circulates the moisture through your ventilation system.

Dehumidifiers

Do you have excessive moisture in your home? If so, you may see moisture in your basement or mold growth, or even notice a musty smell. Damp air can also cause respiratory problems. Place a dehumidifier in the dampest area of your home to pull excessive moisture from the air. If possible, run a hose from the dehumidifier to a drain to prevent the water collection reservoir from overflowing.