The problem with abundance is that it causes us to start taking things for granted. Air is one of the things we have so much of that we don’t even stop to think about its quality. I mean, consider the industrial revolution; everyone was so busy releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere because people never really stopped to think about what they were doing to it. People just assumed that since there is so much breathable air on earth, nothing could ever affect it. Well, think again, the effects of pollution soon popped up and suddenly people were like “Save the earth! Save mother Gaya! Green Energy! Everything Green! You get the drill!” And the same thing is now true for our homes.
Most people are still oblivious to the quality of air in their homes. Unless there is someone with asthma or an allergy that’s triggered by airborne particles, most people forget about the quality of the air they are breathing indoors. If the last time you stopped to consider whether your AC is functioning properly was more than a year ago or if you often go for more than a week without changing your beddings or vacuuming, chances are that the air you are breathing inside your home is gradually reducing your health.
People rarely think about these but things like ovens, stoves, the AC, fireplaces, furnaces, ranges, and water heaters often release particles and gases into the air. An AC system that has not been serviced for more than a year may also be responsible for tolerating or encouraging allergens, dust mites, and a generally toxic air.
If someone in your home is coughing more than usual, is experiencing chest tightness, watery or itchy eyes, a sore throat, full-blown asthma attacks, or shortness of breath, chances are that you guys are living in a toxic environment with polluted air. If you ignore this or if you ignorantly keep living in such an environment, things will get worse and eventually someone will start having frequent headaches, develop bronchitis, experience long-lasting colds, or even develop chronic asthma.
You get the point; bad air is not good for your health. So, what can you do to do to get good air?
Your AC (Air Conditioning) System
According to Golden’s Good Air, AC systems that have not been serviced for a while are not only responsible for polluted air but they are also the number one cause of house fires in America. Hence, for clean air, one of the most essential things the company encourages is ensuring that your AC system is serviced by a professional at least once a year. Furthermore, when your AC is functioning at its optimum, it will also reduce energy costs since a straining AC also consumes more power.
Ventilation Common Sense
Isn’t it obvious that human’s need to breathe? How would you feel if someone blocked your nostrils? You wouldn’t be able to breathe comfortably, right? The reason houses have windows is for the same reason human beings have nostrils. It’s simple; really, if you live there, keep the windows open to allow airflow. You don’t always need the AC running. Opening your windows when it is practical will save you money since you won’t have to turn on the AC.
However, the AC has benefits that opening the windows alone may not provide. It is good to learn how to balance between the two. For instance, ACs remove polluted moisture from the atmosphere as well as pollen and alternative toxic particles. Opening the windows will allow free flow of air, which can attain a similar thing but not as well as ACs do. If you are in a toxic environment, the AC will always be your best friend. However, if your environment is not toxic, then you’ll benefit from opening the Windows and letting the AC hit the bench for a while and when necessary, turn it on for maximum benefits.
Invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter).
According to WebMD, you can make your AC more effective by installing a disposable or standalone HEPA filter. A combination of these two will enable you to gain the most from having an AC system.
Keep your house clean
Vacuuming your carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, at least once a week, will help to reduce the amount of dust in the air. Changing your beddings and other items that your skin touches, at least once a week will help in containing dust mites. In essence, maintaining a clean environment will discourage the presence of air pollutants like dust and particles in the air you breathe inside your home.
There is no greater wealth than health and we all know that issues related to the respiratory system are one of the worst to deal with. You won’t like it if you or a loved one suffered from one of these issues when it could have been prevented. For the sake of living long, healthy, and prosperous lives, and for the sake of peace of mind, I believe you get that it is essential that you have clean air in your home.
