When winter comes, houses can get stuffier, and the air quality can get worse, especially when you’re living in Toronto and are used to harsh winter climates. Who doesn’t want their house to always smell fresh, while also fighting indoor air pollution?
Since many people spend their time inside, especially during winter, the team at PureFilters wants their customers to feel as comfortable in their homes as possible. Here is a guide on how you can freshen up your house and reduce air pollution.
Indoor Air Pollution: What is It?
If you’re unfamiliar with indoor air pollution, here is a simple definition: Indoor air pollution is the chemical, biological, or physical contamination of the air within a house.
These kinds of pollutants that can contaminate a home include tobacco smoke, mold, allergens, bacteria, viruses, among others.
The Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution can be caused naturally or by people. If mold is an issue in your home, then it’s likely that it has resulted from animal dander, moisture, or pollen from plants. Meanwhile, allergens and bacteria occur naturally within the home.
If you want to reduce indoor air pollution that is caused by human beings, you can refrain from smoking within the home.
Second-hand smoke and carbon monoxide are generally the most common sources, and carbon monoxide can result from tobacco smoke. Other causes include paints, cleaning supplies, and others.
Some issues are not controllable, like severe mold issues; but there are lifestyle choices you can make to benefit your home’s air quality.
As previously mentioned, you can give up smoking. You can also try the following solutions to improve indoor air.
Use Furnace Filters
Since we are such experts at reducing indoor air pollution, then we know first-hand that furnace filters are the first step you can take to minimizing pollutants in the home.
Many residents in Toronto may not know that there are differences between the types of furnace filters that you’re able to use in your home.
It is especially important to consider a filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value rating). If you have browsed through our online store before, then you’ll have noticed that our filters are rated with different MERV ratings.
MERV ratings measure how effective a furnace filter will function and can range from 1 to 20. Since everyone has unique needs, you’ll want to know what filter works well for your home.
However, most commonly, you will find furnace filters with MERV ratings between 8 and 13. If your filter has a higher rating, it will be more likely to trap particulates in the air and enhance the quality of air in your home.
If you are an allergy sufferer and struggle with polluted air in the house, then a MERV 13 filter may be the best option for you.
However, filters with MERV 8 to 13 will all do an exceptional job at reducing indoor air pollution; it just depends on your needs. The good news is if you do upgrade your filter to a MERV 13 one, the price is not that much more expensive.
If you live in Toronto and are wondering where you can find the right filters for your needs, we ship furnace filters to Toronto. That way, it takes the hassle out of trying to track down filters with high MERV ratings in your city.
Get in touch today to find out more about our offerings at PureFilters, like our automated monthly subscription and our extensive collection of furnace filters.
Try Natural Air Fresheners
Furnace filters are the gold standard for air purification but work well in combination with other household methods. Air fresheners are one way to help clear the air.
Even though air fresheners made with chemicals can cause air pollution, switching to a natural enzyme-based freshener can make all the difference. The enzymes can eliminate odors at their cause and can refresh smells around each room.
If you can’t find one you like, you can always make your own natural air freshener by looking up ingredients online and buying a reusable container.
Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has many purposes; some people even use it to whiten their teeth. You may not know this, but bags of activated charcoal can improve a home’s air quality.
If you put one in each area of the house, it absorbs house odors and creates a fresher smelling house. There are also smaller versions available that you can use in your fridge.
Purchase a Salt Lamp
Salt lamps can not only add a stylish look to any home, but people use them for a variety of reasons like alleviating coughing and common cold symptoms, boosting blood flow, raising energy levels, sharpening concentration, and enhancing mood.
They are especially useful in improving air quality and household odors.
Plants Can Be Used as Air Purifiers
Many people use plants not only to liven up their homes but as air filters. According to many recent studies, there is no doubt that plants have air-purifying benefits.
Some of the best plants for air purification include spider plants, golden pothos, chrysanthemum, weeping fig, Chinese evergreen, among many more. Plants that are safe for children and pets are as follows: spider plants, grape ivy, and fiddleleaf fig.
At PureFilters, we know that furnace filters are the top choice when it comes to air purification, especially a filter for 14x25x1 furnaces. These types of furnace filters come in MERV 8, 11, and 13 for your convenience.
Along with air filters, making some lifestyle adjustments, and adding a few things around the home can also reduce indoor air pollution. At PureFilters, we prioritize the health of our customers and want them to have the highest quality of air possible.
By implementing the previously mentioned strategies, you will be well on your way to clean air in your home.
