Its winter, and if the weather is freezing where you live – the last thing we want to do is open all the windows and doors. But if you want to keep the air inside your home clean and fresh during the colder months, that’s exactly what you need to do from time to time.
A lack of ventilation can lead to moisture build up inside the home, which can lead to damp and mold problems, particularly in areas such as the bathroom and basement. And if that isn’t enough, a lack of fresh air can mean there is also a huge buildup of dust, pet dander, chemicals from furnishings and cleaning products, smoke and other air borne pollutants.
So what can you do? It’s simple, simply open a door or a window, just a little and just for a short time. Try to choose a day when temperatures are mild and do it in the middle of the day when outside temperatures are at their highest.
It may seem counterintuitive but letting in that fresh winter air for as little as twenty minutes will make a significant difference to the air quality in your home, keeping it clean and fresh.
As well as leaving doors and windows open from time to take, ensure there is no unnecessary moisture build-up in your home. Check for leaks regularly, if water is spilled or leaks, try to clean it up as quickly as possible. And if there is any moisture build up on doors and windows ensure it is wiped away quickly. If water is cleared away in less than forty-eight hours mold will not have a chance to grow. Make sure your roof gutters are in good shape and repair them when necessary. Keep an eye on indoor humidity levels. Ideally humidity should be around 30 to 50% and should not rise above 60%. A humidity meter can measure this and can be purchased for as little as $10.
If you are still concerned about the quality of air in your home, particularly airborne allergens such as chemicals, pet dander, dust and pollens, you may want to consider investing in a medical-grade, HEPA air purifier, designed to keep the air in your home clean, fresh and pollutant free.
