Maintaining A Healthy Workplace During The Flu Season

Now that the colder months are upon us, actively improving your home’s indoor air quality is a logical decision. It isn’t unusual for indoor air to become stale, dry, and full of allergens during the winter season. As you might imagine, this can create many potential health problems for people of all ages and health conditions.

If you believe that your home has poor air quality, some of the telltale symptoms that could indicate this as a potential issue are:

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
• Coughing, sneezing, and frequent throat clearing
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Dry nose or nose bleeds
• Dry hair, skin, and brittle nails

For parents or caretakers with young children or older adults in the home, the ability to spot signs of deteriorating indoor air quality is vital, as it can negatively affect the health of at-risk occupants.

Additionally, people with asthma or other respiratory issues may notice their symptoms worsening when indoor air quality falls below a certain level.

Fortunately, you can improve your home’s indoor air, regardless of the size of your space. Ultimately, the goal is not just to rid your home of allergens but also bacteria and germs. Here are a few different approaches you can take to improve the indoor air quality in your home next season. These most effective strategies can make your indoor air better:

Increase ventilation and airflow in your home – One of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home is to increase the airflow. The most effective ways to do this are by opening windows and doors, allowing fresh air to flow in, and using ceiling or floor fans to keep the air circulating. Introducing fresh air into your indoor environment helps lower the concentrations of harmful particles and gases.

Use a humidifier – Another way to improve the air quality in your home is to use a humidifier. Humidifiers introduce moisture back into the air, which can be helpful for people who suffer from dry skin, nose, and throat. And, when you consider the average humidity level in Massachusetts during the winter months is often less than 20%, you will want to take the necessary steps to keep your air moist and moisturized.

Keep in mind; two different types of humidifiers exist. They are warm air and cold air. Warm air humidifiers work by warming the water to create vapor, whereas cold air humidifiers use an evaporation process that does not involve heat. As a result, warm mist humidifiers reduce germs and bacteria and increase moisture levels. Further, many are compatible with medicated products to treat the cold, flu, cough, or sore throat. Generally, Warm mist humidifiers are quieter than cool mist models since they do not require an internal fan to operate.

If you’re unsure what the humidity levels in your home are, you can purchase a hygrometer to get an accurate measurement.

Clean your ductwork – Another effective method for improving indoor air quality is to clean your home’s ducts. If your air ducts are dirty, dangerous particles and allergens can collect within them, which can then get released into the air during heating or cooling. These contaminants can negatively affect the health of anyone who inhales them.

Vacuum and dust regularly – It is essential to keep your home clean to improve the air quality. However, dust and dirt can quickly accumulate over time and become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other allergens. Make sure to vacuum and dust your furniture and floors regularly to remove any buildup.

Wipe down and disinfect common surfaces – Another easy way to improve the indoor air quality in your home is by disinfecting and wiping down surfaces to remove germs. Think of the places people touch most often, including doorknobs, appliances, cell phones, and countertops.

Use a high-quality air filter – One of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home is to install a high-quality air filter. Air filters can help remove harmful particles, such as dust, pollen, and smoke, from the air. Ideally, home air filters should get changed every three months or as per the recommendations of your HVAC profession for maximum effectiveness.

Add plants – Plants are natural air filters and work to rid the air of toxins and pollutants. Not only do they look terrific, but they also help improve the air quality. If you have pets or children, be sure to choose non-toxic indoor plants such as spider plants, philodendrons, and rubber trees to keep the little ones safe!

Keep electronics clean – Computers, printers, and other electronics can release particles into the air, leading to poor air quality. Ensure to clean these items regularly to reduce the number of particles they release.

Invest in an air purifier – An air purifier is a great way to improve indoor air quality, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Air purifiers work to remove allergens, dust, and other particles from the air. Portable air purifiers are ideal for removing contaminants from individual rooms, while whole home purification systems work to clean the entire air supply in your home.

Conduct a home inspection – Periodically, it is helpful to have a professional conduct a home inspection can identify additional ways to improve the indoor air quality. For example, a professional inspector may suggest ways to reduce dampness, mold, and mildew in your home or recommend modifications that can positively impact the environment.

Invest in professional cleaning services – If your indoor air quality is already compromised, it may be time to contact a professional cleaning service for help. A professional cleaner can come in and deep clean all of the surfaces in your home, including carpets, floors, walls, curtains, furniture, and more.

By following a few or all of these tips, you can help to improve the air quality in your home and breathe easier this winter! For more information on professional cleaning services that help to improve indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to contact Steph Co Cleaning. We help with any residential cleaning need, big or small!