Factors that harm the air quality in our homes

Many people do not know the factors that harm the air quality inside buildings. However, this is an essential aspect to preserve health in these types of properties, in addition to being basic for maintaining emotional well-being and productivity in workplaces. For this reason, we want to address this topic in depth and provide all the necessary guidelines regarding it.

What factors harm indoor air quality?

According to various studies, we spend around 90% of our lives indoors. On average, the air in these spaces can be up to five times more polluted than outside. This is primarily due to:

• The simple act of breathing. Since we consume oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, this gas ends up accumulating in the space, which significantly degrades the indoor air quality.
• Harmful activities. Certain activities generate carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. An example of this is smoking indoors or the presence of certain combustion sources (stoves, heating, etc.).
• Humidity. Many types of bacteria and fungi need it to grow and proliferate. In closed and poorly ventilated spaces, they find the ideal breeding ground to do so.
• The plants. We often say that they renew the air and have the ability to regulate the temperature of the environment. However, many of them release pollen that causes allergies.

All of this, combined with the use of unhealthy building materials and cleaning products, makes the air stale and noticeable as soon as we enter any property. Therefore, addressing the problem quickly is essential.

Measures to know how to improve indoor air quality

The first step always involves measuring the level of environmental pollution. There are very useful devices in this regard that can detect carbon-derived gases, formaldehydes, and suspended particles, in general. The next step consists of measuring the volume of air in the building and its structure. Only in this way is it possible to determine the measures to be taken.

Prohibiting smoking inside the property, using only eco-friendly cleaning products, and employing healthy building materials are the next steps. However, by themselves, these factors will not be sufficient to improve the quality of ambient air. At this point, optimizing ventilation is essential.

Mechanical double-flow ventilation capable of maintaining good air quality

But how? An excellent option to improve the air quality at home is to open the windows and let the breeze do its job. In fact, this system is considered the most effective and has been emphasized by health authorities during the harshest moments of the pandemic. Not for nothing, studies have revealed its effectiveness in halting the transmission of the coronavirus.

How does mechanical ventilation work?

When natural ventilation is insufficient in buildings, using forced or mechanical ventilation systems becomes an effective alternative. These are devices that extract air from the interior and replace it with clean air from the outside. During this process, the use of filters and air purifiers will further enhance air quality.

Filters capable of filtering any particle of virus or bacteria

In short, natural ventilation to improve air quality in buildings must be a priority. There is no other system capable of displacing a greater amount of cubic meters per hour than this. Nevertheless, the characteristics of certain properties make it impossible for it to be fully efficient. In such cases, forced ventilation systems, accompanied by purifiers and filters along with certain coexistence measures, become essential. Without a doubt, key factors to understand how to improve indoor air quality.