Now that we are well on our way into fall, the weather is changing, and we will likely be spending more of our time getting cozy indoors. Because we will not be outside as much, or have our windows open as often, it’s important to have our indoor air be as fresh as possible.
The first thing we will want to do is to ensure that the heating and cooling system in our home is maintained regularly. Since these systems help keep air moving throughout the home, it’s important to follow the schedule of filter placement and cleaning of the system to keep everything running smoothly.
Another way to freshen our air would be with an air purifier that uses a HEPA or activated carbon filter to trap pollutants, odors, dust, and allergens. One way to incorporate an air purifier into the home is with a purifying system that works with your heating and cooling system. This type of purifier is integrated into the ducting system to filter the air as it comes in. Another option would be freestanding air purifiers that can be used room by room. Dyson and Honeywell are two possibilities that offer several types of freestanding purifiers with varying sizes and coverage areas.
The most natural way to improve indoor air quality is with plants. Not only do they help bring the outside in and soften spaces visually, plants also help freshen the air. If you have pets, it is important to confirm that any indoor plants that you plan to purchase are pet safe. The ASPCA has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants on their website (click here to see the pet safe plant options). Some lovely indoor plants that are known to be non-toxic are Spider plants, Boston Ferns, Prayer Plants, and Parlor Palm. (It is still important to discourage your pet from ingesting even non-toxic plants as they may upset their digestive system).
A way to kick all of this up a notch is to incorporate technology. HVAC systems can be integrated into smart home apps that allow us to control our system’s functionality from anywhere; these apps can also be used to notify us of any unexpected shutoffs or issues. Air quality sensors are available to monitor indoor air quality and provide real-time information on its status, letting us know if we need additional purification, or whether or not our existing purification systems are working. As for our plants, smart plant care devices are available that can let us know their health and guide us on how to keep them thriving.
So, even though we’re going to be inside more, we can get cozy and relax, knowing the air inside is as fresh as it can be.