Bad Indoor Air Quality Habits to Break in 2023

We all want to start the new year off on the right foot, and for many of us, that means making resolutions. This year, why not resolve to improve your home’s air quality? Poor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, especially for children and seniors. In this blog post, we’ll discuss eight bad indoor air quality habits you should break in 2023.

The Problem: Bad Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is often worse than the outdoors due to pollutants like mold, dust, pet dander, and chemicals. These pollutants can come from several sources, including cleaning products, scented candles, and off-gassing from carpets or furniture. Poor humidity and ventilation can also contribute to bad indoor air quality by allowing these pollutants to build up inside your home.

The Consequences of Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality can cause many health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue. It can also worsen existing conditions like asthma and allergies. In extreme cases, poor air quality can even lead to death.

Break These Bad Habits and Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Here’s a short list of bad habits that cause indoor air pollution and what you can do about them. 

1. Smoking indoors – Secondhand smoke is one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality. If you must smoke, do it outside.
2. Using harsh chemicals – Cleaning products, paint fumes, and other household chemicals can pollute the air inside your home. Look for natural alternatives or open windows when using these products.
3. Not changing your filters – Dirty furnace and air conditioner filters can circulate dust and other allergens throughout your home. Be sure to change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually every three months).
4. Poor humidity – Too much humidity can promote mold growth, while too little can make respiratory problems worse. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to maintain a comfortable level of humidity in your home (between 30-50%). 
5. No indoor plants indoors – Plants help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
6. Using scented candles and plugins – Scented candles and plugins can also release harmful chemicals into the air if used too frequently or left on for long periods without ventilation. Try using unscented candles or essential oils diffusers instead.
7. Dust and clutter in the home – Dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens thrive in cluttered, dirty homes. Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and mopping will help reduce these allergens in your home. Be sure to clean under furniture and in hard-to-reach places where dust collects.
8. Poor ventilation – Good ventilation is key to reducing pollutants in your home. When weather permits, open windows. You should also invest in a high-quality HEPA filter for your furnace and air conditioner.

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, don’t wait to take action. Contact Thomas J. Fannon & Sons today. We offer a variety of products and services to improve your home’s air quality, including air purifiers, ductless split systems, and furnace and AC filters. Call us today at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our online form to learn more!