Seven Solutions to Poor Indoor Air Quality in Energy-Efficient Homes

Today's energy-efficient homes do a fine job of lowering the homeowner's carbon footprint and saving money on utilities month after month. However, when it comes to indoor air quality, many older, less energy-efficient homes provide better air to breathe, especially in the colder months when all the windows are shut. In order to prevent moisture from accumulating and creating all sorts of unhealthy conditions, a house needs to be able to 'breathe' in any season just like the people that live in it. But if there is one drawback to newer, energy-efficient homes, it is that they are built with moisture barriers between the inside walls and the outside of the home which stifles a home's ability to breathe. As a result of this and several other factors, the indoor air quality in these homes is surprisingly poor. What can be done to improve indoor air quality in energy-efficient homes?

Well, quite a few steps can be taken to improve air quality in these homes. The first and most practical step is to control the sources of indoor air pollution. Perhaps the worst offender in terms of indoor air quality is the new carpeting found in many newer homes. It emits noxious chemicals into the air for many years. Another source of indoor air pollution is the very chemicals that are supposed to make the air smell better. Your furniture polish, floor cleaner, fabric softener and laundry detergent may have that lemony-fresh smell, but that clean citrus smell comes from chemicals not lemons. Dispose of these chemicals responsibly and start cleaning your home (and your air) with natural cleaning products.

Improving the ventilation in your home is another very effective means to improve indoor air. However, you must remember that most high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems do not bring in fresh air from the outside and circulate it in the home. During the warmer months, open windows and ceiling fans provide cross ventilation that clear out unpleasant odors like fresh paint, disinfectants and garbage cans. Improving ventilation when it's cold outside can also involve ceiling fans to keep air circulating and occasionally turning on fans that vent to the outside such as bathroom and range fans.

Next, buy a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Vacuums without HEPA filters are very much like dust blowtorches every time you vacuum your home. Some of the dust and other particulates are captured by the bag or dirt container but a great deal of it is also released in the exhaust. Many of the newer vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters do a much better job of cleaning carpets and floors.

Humidifying and dehumidifying the air in your home is also one of the more effective ways to improve air quality. Today's newer, energy-efficient homes trap warm dry air and warm moist air very effectively, and both can lead to health and other problems. In warm weather, use a dehumidifier to prevent excess moisture from harming electronics and fostering the growth of mold and mildew. During colder months, use a humidifier in moderation to prevent respiratory illnesses and keep wooden furniture and fixtures from becoming excessively dry and cracking.

Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home, even if you are a smoker. In addition to all the noxious chemicals in cigarette and cigar smoke, smoke yellows the walls, ceiling, furniture, fixtures, curtains, clothing, and everything else-plus it lingers. Not to mention the deleterious effects that smoke has on everyone's health. If you, a family member, or a guest smokes, designate a place outside the home.

Get rid of your air fresheners. Whether they are designed to be plugged into a socket, rest on top of a light bulb, stand alone with an adjustable cover, sprayed in an aerosol can, distributed by wooden dowels in a jar or any other delivery system, these are chemical compounds and are polluting the air of your home. If you want to freshen the air in your home, try using scents that occur naturally in nature, such as vanilla extract in a small bowl, orange zest twisted just before guests arrive, a pot of cider with cinnamon sticks in it on the stove, fresh cookies cooling on a rack or another natural scent.

Finally, buy a high-quality air filter. Some are stand-alone units you can place where you'd like, and others you install in your heating and air conditioning system. Inexpensive air filters are a waste of your money and will not improve the air quality in your home. They merely trap some dust and re-circulate the air. The better air cleaners remove particulates and trap allergens, smoke, pollen and other indoor pollutants through a variety of methods.

All these solutions will improve the air quality in your home and will make a huge difference in the health of your family and your pets that you will be able to feel in a day or two. In addition, here's one more solution to improve indoor air quality-make sure to replace or clean the air filter in your HVAC system on a monthly basis. You'll save money on heating and cooling costs and the air in your home will be noticeably cleaner.

William Lea is the President of FiltersUSA.com, the nation's leading supplier of OEM air filters and replacement filters that improve indoor air quality by removing harmful particulates. FiltersUSA.com has the most complete selection of brand name air filters, including Aprilaire filters, at the best prices on the Internet.