The quality of the air you breathe can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, and with the average Brit spending roughly 90% of their life indoors, it's essential to take steps to maximise the quality of our indoor air.
A study by the Global Action Plan in 2019 discovered that indoor air pollution can be over 3 times worse than outdoor. Breathing in this polluted air can lead to hundreds of different long-term health issues for both humans and their pets, including the development of allergies and respiratory conditions.
When it comes to a self-build, a quality space is only as good as the air inside of it, and that’s why AC Architects are here to show you how to achieve cleaner and healthier air inside your self-build home.
THE BENEFITS OF CLEAN AIR
It’s certainly common knowledge that breathing clean air is good for us, but did you know the benefits extend far past our lungs?
From a personal health standpoint, clean air can reduce our heart rates while increasing our energy levels. Good quality air can also help us stabilise psychologically, as well as improve the way we sleep. These benefits extend to our pets and plants, too.
Filtering out the bad air from your indoor spaces reduces the chances of airborne infections creeping into your household, which will be much appreciated by those with asthma or similar respiratory conditions.
POLLUTANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
The first step in improving indoor air quality is identifying potential sources of pollution. A functioning home should be built to prevent outdoor air from entering without being properly ventilated.
Indoor pollutants like dust, dust mites and mould can create or worsen asthma and allergies, leading to difficulty breathing and a reduced quality of life. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can also increase the risk of serious health defects down the line.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are emitted as gases from many of our household products and building materials, such as air fresheners and makeup products. Long-term exposure to these compounds can lead to significant health issues later in life.
Certain pets can shed skin cells that can also work to worsen allergies.
Smoke from cigarettes or vapes is also a significant source of indoor air pollution, containing numerous harmful chemicals and carcinogens.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD VENTILATION
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good quality air. Without a good ventilation system, your home can fall victim to several problems. Any moisture in the air can form condensation, encouraging the growth of mould. A ventilation system should draw out contaminants, allowing fresh outside air in.
A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery System (MVHR) is our chosen ventilation system for self-builds.
These systems work by taking stale air from ‘wet’ rooms through a combination of hidden ducts. This air passes through a heat exchanger in the unit of the main system, which is installed discreetly in an attic, plant room or cupboard. The system then releases fresh air into our ‘living’ rooms such as a lounge or bedroom.
MVHR systems have efficiencies above 90% and can help to reduce a building’s carbon emissions by reclaiming and redistributing the heat into the property which would have been wasted if an extract-only system had been used instead.
Fitting an MVHR system is easier in a new build, but that doesn’t rule out the benefits brought to an existing home. Retrofitting older homes with the system will bring a noticeable enhancement to indoor air quality.
Outside of your physical ventilation system, you should also be opening your windows when you can to allow fresh air from outside to circulate and remove any indoor pollutants.
KEEPING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Building a quality home that can remove pollutants with ease is vital, but there are also steps to take in your day-to-day life to improve the quality of your air.
Regular cleaning helps reduce the accumulation of dust, allergens, and other pollutants. Vacuuming and dusting should be done regularly, as well as regularly washing your bed sheets and pillowcases.
Investing in an air purifier can help to remove airborne pollutants, as well as odours. These are placed in indoor spaces to filter the indoor air to remove any contaminants. Look out for one that contains a HEPA filter and consider its coverage area to ensure it can effectively clean the air in the busiest rooms.
It’s also important to carry out regular checks of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This is essential for getting the best out of your systems and improving your air. Replace filters regularly, and schedule professional inspections and cleanings when it’s appropriate.
In terms of improving your air, there are hundreds more strategies you can start implementing no matter where you live. Spider plants and peace lilies can be placed indoors to absorb certain pollutants. ‘Natural’ cleaning products can be used due to their reduced use of harsh chemicals. Find out what ones apply to you and start implementing them.
When building your dream home, you’ll want to make sure you are creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. By following the above steps, you can significantly improve indoor air quality and enjoy cleaner and healthier air in your home. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in enhancing the quality of the air you breathe every day.
