How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home As the Weather Changes

With the onset of winter, the temperature in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, and Wylie is likely to be in the 50s during the day but close to freezing at night, especially in December, January, and February. Since seniors tend to be more sensitive to the cold, they are likely to keep the windows closed more often, affecting indoor air quality. Poor ventilation can result in the buildup of allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. These allergens cause respiratory problems such as asthma, dry coughs, fatigue, and even gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues which might interfere with your senior's self-care and lead to a deterioration in their quality of life.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there are several sources of indoor air pollution such as:

Any appliance which burns fuel such as a gas stove, an oven, a gas heater, a fireplace, etc.
Smoking
Building materials such as carpets that have just been installed, certain types of furniture, and asbestos
Many cleaning products as well as personal grooming products that have a strong smell, such as deodorant sprays
Central heating and cooling because this tends to make the stale air circulate. Humidifiers can also make the air too humid, encouraging mold growth.
If you live in a place where the outdoor air is polluted, it can seep into your home as well.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Bad indoor air quality might be the culprit if your senior in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, or Wylie tends to suffer from respiratory problems or is feeling fatigued more often. Here are some of the steps you can take to improve indoor air quality:

Vacuum the home once or twice a week. This will get rid of dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.
Change bedding and upholstery often because these materials tend to hold dust, pet dander, etc. It's also a good idea to wash these materials in hot water.
Consider getting hardwood or tiled floors in Allen rather than carpeting because carpeting tends to attract and hold allergens.
Clearing clutter can also help improve in improving indoor air quality. Sometimes, you don't realize it, but there is dust trapped underneath all the clutter.
To some extent, indoor plants are helpful because they release oxygen, but according to Harvard Health Publishing, indoor plants can also lead to the growth of mold. So it might be better to avoid having them.
Most heating and cooling systems in Wylie have air filters that need to be changed regularly, so make sure you do this. Additionally, it helps to have your ducts cleaned every once in a while because they tend to collect dust.
Consider using an air purifier, specifically an ionic one, as this can get rid of some of the pollutants. Dehumidifiers placed in particularly humid areas can also help.
During the daytime in Frisco, you can also open the windows for a short while to let some fresh air in. This will help get rid of allergens.

Although it may not be possible to get rid of air pollutants completely in Prosper, there are many steps you can take to reduce them a great deal and thus help your senior have a better quality of life and be more positive. The caregivers assigned by Senior Helpers of McKinney can also help with some chores that will improve your senior's indoor air quality, such as opening the windows, decluttering, changing the bedding, etc.