Now that the weather is getting colder, we are thinking more about the quality of our indoor air, especially since Covid has forever changed us all. What can we do to ensure that the air in our own apartments or homes are clean and healthy?
A vaccine may be on its way, but in the meantime, here are some basic steps we can all take to boost the air quality of our homes and protect the health of our families—good to do, even when we get back to “normal”—whatever that is!
Research suggests that abundant fresh air is one of our best weapons against spreading infection. It is amazing how we often overlook the myriad ways air and particulate matter infiltrate our living spaces and that we can do something about it. But what?
TIP: Open your windows (if they are operable) if you have guests or workmen about. If you are on a lower floor, car exhaust and other contaminants might invalidate this option.
TIP: Make sure your air conditioner filters are clean. They should be replaced twice annually. For ducted systems, filter rated ≤MERV 13 are ideal.
TIP: Next time you are in your bathroom or kitchen, look up at your ceiling for the ceiling exhaust fans. These fans are meant to take stale air and humidity out of the bathroom. But often they are clogged with dirt and thus are ineffective, leading to mold and mildew and potential respiratory problems. (if your bathroom or kitchen have windows, then these exhaust fans may not be used.)
TIP: Try to keep your relative humidity levels to between 40-60% as these conditions are less hospitable to COVID and SARS.
TIP: Avoid indoor materials that “off-gas” like paint, some textiles and rugs and more—these emanate from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). More on this another day!
What does Interior Design have to do with Ventilation?
Some may ask “what does interior design have to do with Ventilation?” It’s all about comfort and health. If a home looks beautiful, but is unhealthy, how can it be comfortable? That’s why I strive to learn as much as I can about sustainability, energy efficiency and health. It makes me a better project manager and advocate for my clients.
Coming UP on future blogs from Sustainable Homes+Yards
Brownstones—stack effect and ventilation
Hidden Environmental and Economic Benefits of Reusing and Repurposing in the Construction Process
Window Replacement Issues
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Decorating a Brownstone—Maximize the Positives
Left: a pic of a clogged vent in a bathroom; Middle: paint colors and low VOC paint; Right: Circulating ceiling fan.
