improving indoor air quality with a plant

Are you worried about your indoor air quality and looking for ways to improve it? Winter generally means that we keep our homes shut off from the outside world, in an effort to keep cold air out and warm air in. This can, however, lead to poor indoor air quality for your home. So, what’s a homeowner to do? Search no further! Here are five of the best ways to improve indoor air quality without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort.

1. Air Filtering Plants

Air filtering plants have two purposes – they improve indoor air quality and also add some life to your kitchen, living room, or wherever else you choose to place them. English ivy and snake plant are two especially popular indoor plants, mostly because they’re so hard to kill!

2. Monitor Humidity

Humidity plays a key role in gauging the quality of your indoor air. Optimum humidity levels are anywhere between 30-50%. Any less, and you’ll start noticing that the air in your home is too dry. Any more though, and you’ll be more likely to experience mold problems in the home. You can purchase an indoor weather station that monitors humidity for relatively cheap.

3. Vacuum

Sure, turning on a fan or using your heater to keep you warm are great ways to regulate the temperature in your home. If you don’t keep a clean home though, all this is doing is blowing dust and dander around. Make sure to vacuum, sweep, and mop regularly to remove any allergens or irritants from your indoor air.

4. Change Your Air Filters

On a similar note, make sure to keep up with your regular air filter changing schedule. Air filters should be changed at least every 3 months, if not more often (it depends on the type of air filter you have). If you have trouble remembering, write it on the calendar or set a reminder in your phone.

5. Crack Open a Window

Don’t forget to address the obvious – crack open a window and let a little bit of fresh air inside every now and then. Even with the heater on, your air still needs to circulate and have a place to escape. Keep one window just a few inches open so that fresh air can get in– and stale air can get out.

How do you improve your indoor air quality? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments section below.s