As humans, we spend a significant amount of time inside our homes. We live, eat, sleep, and play indoors, and the air we breathe affects our health. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the quality of their indoor air and take steps to protect it. Believe it or not, indoor air can be much more polluted than outdoor air, and there are numerous reasons why. However, many homeowners don't know much about their indoor air quality or how to improve it. Fortunately, you're not on your own, and there are plenty of resources that can provide assistance. If you're in need of more information, keep reading to learn what affects your indoor air quality.

What affects indoor air quality?

There are many factors that affect your home's indoor air quality, but one of them is the efficacy of your HVAC system's air filters. This is measured by what is known as a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). If you're wondering, "What is MERV rating?", we can answer that for you. On the MERV rating scale, higher numbers indicate that a filter is better at removing particles such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, smoke particles, and other allergens. A high-efficiency air filter should have a high MERV rating in order to be considered effective.

There's no doubt that humidity and ventilation levels have a direct impact on indoor air quality. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and ventilation refers to the process of moving fresh outdoor air into an enclosed space, replacing stale or polluted indoor air. Both humidity and ventilation play major roles in maintaining healthy air quality. If there is too much moisture in the air it can lead to mold growth. On the other hand, not enough moisture in an environment can cause dry skin and throats that can also affect health negatively.

Being proactive about proper maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial, as nothing can pollute your indoor air quicker than a dirty filter. Experts recommend having your HVAC unit inspected annually by a technician and changing the air filter at least once every 90 days. Many homeowners opt to change theirs on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.

How else can you prevent indoor air pollution?

Now that you know more about what affects indoor air quality, let's discuss some things that you can do to prevent indoor air pollution. For one, you should invest in a high-quality, whole-home air purifier. Air purifiers are designed to remove pollutants, dirt, debris, and allergens from the air, providing you and your family with better quality of air to breathe. Not only are air purifiers beneficial for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, but they also reduce unpleasant odors in the home and improve the overall air quality for everyone.

You need to avoid the use of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well. VOCs are chemical compounds that easily become vapor or gas at room temperature, and are often found in products like cleaning supplies and air fresheners. When these products are used, VOCs can be released into the air. Exposure to VOCs may cause a range of symptoms, such as respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In some cases, VOC exposure has been linked to more serious health issues, such as cancer.

As you can see, indoor air quality is of great importance since it can drastically affect the health and well-being of those exposed to it. There are many factors that can determine the quality of the air, such as the presence of contaminants, ventilation, and the quality of your home's air filter. You need to take steps to improve your home's indoor air quality to ensure the safety and comfort of those in the space. Some ways to achieve this include purchasing an air purifier and avoiding the use of products containing VOCs. Follow these tips and you can be sure you and your family are breathing clean air whenever you're at home.