The air we breathe can quickly shift from great to ok to pretty bad.
Whether it's local industrial activities or wildfires from our neighbors up in Canada, the air we breathe indoors and outdoors can change, and we should all keep an eye on it.
Do you ever ask yourself, "How can I improve indoor air quality in my home?" Let's dive into how we can do our best to hold onto fresh air even when those all-too-common air quality alerts flash onto our home screens.
Why the fuss over air quality?
From factories to car exhausts to wildfires, there are many ways harmful gases and tiny particles get pumped into the air we breathe.
Whether it’s allergens in your home air or pesky micro-particles, pollutants are especially worrisome for our friends and neighbors with respiratory conditions, children and elderly family members. But even the least vulnerable among us should make clean home air a top priority.
Mastering clean air indoors
While we might not have superpowers that give us control of outdoor elements, the inside of our homes is a whole different ballgame. Here's how we can ensure we're breathing easier indoors:
Seal it up: Limiting outdoor air from entering is the first step. Keep those windows and doors closed, especially when air quality alerts are high.
Use your A/C smartly: An air conditioner filter can trap many unwanted particles. Make sure to keep the fresh-air intake closed.
The power of purifiers: Air purifiers stand tall as one of the best ways to clean indoor air. HEPA filters are especially good.
Skip the smoky stuff: Activities like burning candles or frying foods can add extra pollutants inside. Let's save that for a fresher day!
Take extra precautions if you have a respiratory condition.
If you or someone at home has respiratory conditions, extra caution is the name of the game:
Stay Prepared: Keep essential medications close. Always heed advice from your health expert on tackling poor air quality. Also, know how to purify home air during sudden pollution spikes.
Take it Easy: Maybe swap that high-intensity workout with something more relaxing when the air's a bit murky.
Mask Up: While searching for ways to breathe better at home, consider investing in a snug-fitting N95 mask that can remove harmful particles.
No preexisting conditions? Air safety is still important.
Even if you're in tiptop health, it doesn't hurt to be cautious:
Stay Alert: Notice any coughing, wheezing, or chest discomfort? Keep an eye on those and check in with your doc if needed.
Drink Up: Hydration can be your best buddy, helping soothe throat irritations.
Monitor Your Air: Plan outdoor activities when air quality is better. Websites like AirNow (https://www.airnow.gov/) can be super helpful.
A few more resources for the curious
More knowledge means more power. Check these resources for an additional word to the wise:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Their guide on the effects of air pollutants is a treasure (https://www.cdc.gov/air/default.htm ).
AirNow: The “home of the U.S. Air Quality Index. (https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-and-health/your-health/ )
American Lung Association: Dive deep into lung protection advice (https://www.lung.org/clean-air ).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Their resources are golden for air quality insights (https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-and-your-health ).
A little HVAC reminder!
Your HVAC is like the lungs of your home. If it's having a hiccup or two, we've got your back. Schedule a service request using the Invitation Homes Maintenance app, and we'll ensure it's back to its breezy best.
Alright, everyone, let's team up to make every breath count.
Clean air and happy vibes, here we come! 🍃🏡
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