Many people spend most of their time indoors. Unfortunately, indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air. While outdoor air can contain harmful pollutants like pollen, the quality inside your home can be even worse. Keeping your home clean and healthy is essential, particularly for people with allergies or asthma. You should take steps to improve the air quality inside your home by eliminating harmful sources of pollution, like smoke, lead dust, mold, and pet dander.

First, check the ventilation of your home’s appliances. Make sure they have proper ventilation, and make sure they are cleaned frequently. Unvented appliances should only be used in rooms with good air circulation and open space. If possible, use ventilation-friendly appliances. In areas with low air flow, ventless appliances should be avoided. Lastly, remove dust from your home’s ceilings and windows. You can also install HEPA filters to minimize the amount of airborne pollutants.

In addition to cleaning the air in your home, you should check for combustion sources. These sources include gas, oil, kerosene, coal, and wood. If your home does not have adequate ventilation, this can amplify indoor pollution levels, since air flow does not dilute the pollutants or carry them out of the house. Moreover, high temperatures and humidity can increase the concentration of certain pollutants. You can use an air quality monitor to check the quality of air in your home.

Ventilation helps to dilute indoor air pollutants and control temperatures. By maximizing ventilation, you can control indoor air quality and lower the amount of pollutants in the air. In addition to ventilation, you should also evaluate the source of pollution outside your home. Infiltration occurs when outdoor air flows inside your home. For instance, if you live near a fire, you can seal the fireplace to reduce emissions from your home. You can also adjust your gas stove to reduce emissions.

You should also check the EPA’s guide to indoor air pollution. While some pollution sources may not pose a significant health risk, the cumulative effect of many sources can pose a serious threat. While there are no foolproof measures, you can take steps to reduce your exposure and prevent new problems from occurring. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have published an excellent guide for homeowners to improve indoor air quality.