Good air quality promotes better respiratory health and overall well being for humans. As a defense mechanism, we wear face masks outside to fight the adverse effects of outdoor air pollution. But the pandemic crisis especially made us realize that indoor air quality is just as important, if not more, when it comes to protecting ourselves from the threat of illnesses borne out of bad air quality.
In this blog post from Asterra, the Philippines’ newest provider of vertical homes featuring open greens and a growing cityscape in its immediate environs, we’ll provide you with tips to treat poor indoor air quality in your first home, and why, according to recent studies, is indoor air pollution worse than outdoor air pollution.
10 Tips How to Improve Air Quality in Your Condo Unit
It must be reiterated that improving indoor air quality must be given attention just as much as getting wary with bad outdoor air quality. Breathe clean and fresh air at home by following these practical living tips for you and your family’s protection from health risks.
1. Change the Air Filter of Your AC Furnace
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your compact spaces are always operating to maintain a temperature that is just right throughout the year. But while they move through all of that air, they also filter out some of the usual indoor air pollutants that are found in the atmosphere.
After some time, the air filters will get clogged and may no longer be effective and functioning properly. This not only degrades the indoor air quality of your condo but also causes wear and tear on your air conditioning systems, which may further result in higher maintenance costs in the long run. So always clean filters that act as an air cleaner.
You might want to also invest in an air conditioning service plan that incorporates filter replacements. This is particularly important if you are prone to allergies or residing in one of the country’s emerging locations in Greater Manila Area (GMA) and regional areas nationwide, which tend to have higher levels of air pollution.
2. Regular upkeep of appliances
The filtration on your air conditioner isn’t the only item functioning to maintain a healthy level of air quality in your personal sanctuary. If you are serious about improving indoor air quality in your condo, one of the first things you should do is examine the filter that is included in the various appliances that compose your condo.
It is recommended that you examine and repair your household appliances regularly, including your clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner, and kitchen vents. It is advised that every few months, either cleaning or replacing these basic condo air filters be done to avoid indoor air pollution.
The condo’s temperature may be maintained at a comfortable level by properly using the hot and cold air ducts, which are located throughout the structure. However, if the ducts were not placed correctly or maintained, indoor air pollution might be transferred from one area to another. Dust, dander, and even mold may grow in your ducts over time, which can lower the quality of the air in your home as a whole.
To ensure that your ducts are moving healthy, have an indoor air cleaner, you should consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean them.
3. Use cooking vents
The kitchen is the source of many of the contaminants that are found in the atmosphere indoors. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are two of the dangerous toxins that are produced while using gas stoves. Even electric burners generate the same toxins, although at lower concentrations.
Moreover, additional air pollutants are readily taken into circulation. While you are cooking, you should make sure that your kitchen vents are turned on, or open windows to improve indoor air quality and assist in filtering out the poor air quality even further.
4. Air Purifiers
Running an air purifying device with HEPA filters is a practical investment to significantly enhance the overall air quality in your room. Allergens and pollutants in the air can be removed with the assistance of air purifiers. If you want to use an air purifier, you should make certain that the device is big enough to clean the atmosphere in which it is positioned.
You may need many units in your condo or a bigger unit to benefit your whole condo. Don’t be concerned about the quality of the outdoor air in your condo since, even if we can only do so much to improve the air quality outside, you have greater control over the air inside your condo.
Consider purchasing an air purifier, you should always clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take up a significant portion of the available funds, but it was the wisest buy that could have been done. Look for a model that has HEPA filters, which stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” and removes pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and tobacco smoke.
5. Control humidity in your home
Environments that are humid and damp encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which are known to aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. The sweltering months of summer might bring about particularly high humidity temperatures, depending on where you reside.
By strategically placing a few dehumidifiers, you can cut down on the quantity of moisture that is present in the air and prevent the formation of molds that are bothersome. There is a wide selection of humidifiers on the market today that may assist in keeping humidity levels stable and in establishing an environment that is conducive to pleasant compact living in your condo.
6. Improved Ventilation
Ventilation systems ensure that the air inside is clean and safe to breathe. Like the lungs, buildings need an air exchange system to let clean air in and stale air out. Indoor air may become highly polluted with humidity, smells, gases, dust, and other particles. Indoor air quality may be maintained by introducing fresh outdoor air to neutralize the air pollutants found within.
In order to maintain a healthy indoor environment, it is necessary to bring in sufficient outside air and distribute it throughout the house. Opening windows and doors or other building components is often responsible for bringing in an outdoor atmosphere to most condos.
Mechanical systems are often installed in condos to produce clean air. Specifically designed venting is required for some sources, such as stoves and restrooms, to eliminate the resulting pollution. Pollutants produced like cooking fumes should not be redistributed within, thus ventilation above ranges should lead outdoors. You should consider ways how to improve air quality in a room and how do you purify the air in a condo.
7. Use air fresheners
Using air fresheners to neutralize the stuffy indoor atmosphere of your condo is a cost-effective and practical solution. You may acquire plug-ins or gel-based types and position them in areas where undesirable odors are prominent in order to enhance the indoor atmosphere.
As essential oils have been demonstrated to prevent the development of bacteria in the atmosphere, diffusers may be used in your condo. In addition to fresh ambiance, you will be able to experience the additional advantages of essential oils, such as stress reduction and pleasant aromas.
If you have a passion for candles, you should purchase an organically scented variant. Beeswax candles are the best choice for your health since, when burned, they release negative ions into the atmosphere, which have the ability to clean the atmosphere.
8. Buy indoor plants to freshen the atmosphere
Plants are mother nature’s natural air purifiers. Investing in tiny indoor plants may do wonders for the quality of the air within your condo while also adding to the aesthetic appeal of your abode.
The most effective plants for removing pollutants from the air are bigger palm trees and larger plants like ferns and lilies that may blossom inside, such as ferns and flowers. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants not only remove carbon monoxide from the air but also release oxygen into it.
9. Keep your rugs and carpets clean
Not only can rugs and carpets make your apartment cozier, but they also provide other benefits. They are capable of filtering the atmosphere around them because of the numerous fibers that make up their design, which prevents dust and other particles from escaping.
If you vacuum your carpets and rugs once a week, they will continue to perform the job for you of making the air in your condo healthier just by occupying the same living space.
10. Clean regularly using non-toxic cleaning solutions
The duty of regular cleaning and decluttering of your condo must be done but may be somewhat difficult. But if you use the appropriate cleaning products, it doesn’t have to be harmful or time-consuming at all. If you suffer from chemical allergies, switching to non-chemical cleaning solutions can be the best option for you.
While successfully cleaning your starter home, they release fewer harmful chemicals into the environment. Natural ingredients, such as baking soda and vinegar, are used in the production of non-toxic cleaning solutions. Harmful chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, are not included in these products.
Some furnishings or cleaning products pollute your condo called Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing a minor and significant health risk. High-quality furniture and fabrics made with natural components and low VOC levels to reduce exposure.
When you use these natural products, you may significantly cut down on your contact with combustion pollutants that can cause health hazards. And in comparison to their chemical counterparts, they are more cost-effective. The vast majority are available at your neighborhood grocery store or online, and some may even be prepared at home.
Follow these tips for your future condo through Asterra’s thoughtfully designed spaces situated in areas posed for growth. Our value-packed condominiums are ideal for young professionals, small family units, and overseas Filipinos who are on the lookout for an investment property.
With exclusive amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse, landscaped garden, sports court, tranquil landscapes, and pool area, Asterra’s modern condo units give the best value for money. Send us your unique investment inquiries today and officially become a condo unit owner in a great neighborhood!
