Improve Your Home Air Quality With These DIY Projects
When most people hear phrases like “improve your indoor air quality,” they likely don’t think about DIY projects that can help them do so. Most homeowners typically feel that the only action they can take is to regularly maintain their own HVAC vents and change out any filters as necessary. Or worse: use copious amounts of air freshener, which sadly does nothing to address the root of low indoor air quality, or IAQ. The good news is that many of these DIY projects are low cost and can yield near-immediate results and could also serve as fun family activities.
Create a space near your entry for shoes, jackets, purses, etc.
When we are outside of our home all day, our clothing is subject to outdoor pollutants, mud, soil, and other unpleasantness. Instead of tracking all of that through your home at the end of the day, create a spot in the entryway with hooks, storage boxes, and a basket for smaller items to store shoes, boots, jackets, and purses. This space, sometimes called a mudroom, keeps the pesticides and other pollutants confined to one area and not scattered throughout your home.
Build an indoor garden
Back in elementary school science class, most of us had the concept that humans breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide while plants intake carbon dioxide and expel oxygen mercilessly pounded into our heads. So it would serve to reason that an indoor garden would be effective at clearing your indoor environment of contaminants like carbon dioxide. The type of garden you can have, whether drip or hydroponic, must take into consideration your home’s window and lighting situation and/or the energy costs associated with running a lighted gardening shelf. Do some research and see what works best for you.
Upgrade your aging bathroom fan
The bathroom is the one of the rooms in the house with the most potential to create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. A malfunctioning or otherwise aged bathroom fan that cannot properly vent your bathroom of hot steam can also eventually lead to drywall and structural damage. The good news is that replacing a bathroom fan is typically not that difficult; all we ask is that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make an all-purpose cleaner using simple ingredients
It’s also a good idea to regularly wipe down all vent covers to keep your HVAC system running at maximum efficiency. But what if you need some cleaning solution? An easy one can be made with water, baking soda, and vinegar. Simply dissolve ¼ cup of baking soda and ½ of white vinegar in ½ gallon of water. This cleaner can be put into spray bottles and is very effective at cutting through grease.
How FAMCO Can Help
We are one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC equipment and accessories in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking to improve the IAQ of your home, our high-quality products can get you there. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch with us. We’ll be more than happy to help.
