Quarantined: It’s now more important than ever to change your home air filter

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, even in urban environments.

With people around the world spending more time than ever at home, we want to encourage you to make sure the air in your home is clean and safe for you and your loved ones. For most Americans, your home air filters are probably harboring some bad stuff and it’s probably time to change them out.

Changing your air filter will not only improve your air quality at home, but it will also put money back in your wallet. The Department of Energy says the average household spends about $2,200 a year on its energy bill. Studies show that when you consistently change your air filter, you can save from 5 to 15 percent on your utility costs.

The air you breathe – wherever you might be – is vital to your health and well-being, remember to replace your air filters as advised for the specific frame of time, depending on the circumstances of the residence or office place this period of time could range from 20 days to 6 or 12 months. The reasons for replacing air filters sooner than a later date might be that of pets or people with allergies.  A single person without pets will need to replace their air filters far less frequently than a household with kids and multiple pets.  Energy Star suggests changing your air filter every month, especially during the winter and summer months, when your HVAC unit gets the most use.

Changing your air filter is the big first step to improving your home air quality. However, there are many additional ways to improve the atmosphere and ambiance of your living quarters.

Opening windows can help the natural flow of nature to refresh the space and decrease the concentration of indoor air pollutants. This time of year the weather fluctuates day-to-day and instead of flipping back and forth from air condition to heat, you can make conscientious decisions to control the air temperature in your home. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. Save money, reduce reliance on electricity and fossil fuels, and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Many experts advise more recommendations that could help with air quality including burning beeswax candles, essential oils, activated charcoal, ceiling fans and maintenance of your windows (screen wise).  Vacuuming is an important task to do regularly and helps to remove dust, dirt, and animal hairs that collect. There are specific types of plants that can cleanse the air in your home and foster a healthier living environment. No green thumb? No problem! There are several low-maintenance houseplants that will help boost the air quality in your home. View these here.

Stay safe and healthy in your home as you practice social distancing. Stay tuned for more health and wellness articles from our staff and contributors. 

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2020.