Maintaining good indoor air quality is extremely important for our overall health all year round. During the colder months, especially most of us tend to spend the majority of our time indoors. We also tend to experience a higher rate of upper respiratory issues and other problems aggravated by indoor air pollution during these months. Please read on below to find out the most common, harmful indoor air pollutants and how to control indoor air pollution in your residence.
Indoor air pollution can cause many health problems, especially for those suffering asthma, COPD, or other upper respiratory problems. Many of the lifestyle choices we make affect the air quality in our homes directly or in more subtle ways. Examples include pet ownership, leaving shoes on in the house, tobacco use, and the use of certain products. In addition to making some simple lifestyle changes, products like HEPA air purifiers and filters, dehumidifiers, and air quality monitors can help us all maintain low levels of indoor air pollution.
Indoor Air Pollution FAQs
There are quite a few different, practical ways to decrease indoor air pollution. We will be offering you some quick tips and tricks, as well as reviewing ten best products on the market that are designed to help you reduce indoor air pollution in your home.
1. What is Indoor Air Pollution?
Simply put, indoor air pollution is the contamination of indoor air by harmful particulates. Some of the most common causes of indoor air pollution are
2. Is an Air Purifier Worth the Cost?
Air purifiers can absolutely improve the air quality in your home, but you must be sure the one you choose provides high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. Filters that do not meet HEPA requirements will simply recirculate tiny pollutant particles around your home, potentially exacerbating any issues.
3. How Is My Health Affected by Air Quality?
Each time we breathe, we inhale particulates and irritants if indoor air pollution is present. These contaminants can inflame our sinuses and bronchia, causing discomfort and pain. If continually irritated, infections and upper respiratory damage can occur, making it imperative to address any problems involving indoor air quality.
Homeowners should always be on the lookout for various sources of contamination. For instance, children tend to be more at risk in homes that have carpeted floors simply because they spend more time on the floor than adults do and carpets hold high densities of contaminants. When children play there, they stir this tiny debris up and breathe it in. Also, think about what you bring into your home. Wearing shoes and jackets throughout your home can cross-contaminate multiple surfaces as you move around.
4. How Bad Are Current Problems with Indoor Air Pollution?
We have all heard about air pollution being a problem in large, industrial cities. But, what about our homes and offices? Research indicates that the air inside buildings can be far more polluted than outdoor air, due to factors like poor ventilation and the prevalence of particle-trapping fabrics. Since most people spend 90% or more of their time indoors, they are consistently exposed to areas with the poorest-quality air. Even for people who don’t suffer from upper respiratory problems or disease, this can lead to discomfort in the form of watery eyes, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
5. What Steps Can I Take to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution?
Luckily, there are many effective ways to decrease indoor air pollution. Some of these methods can noticeably help you breathe easier right away, and implementing several such solutions can make a major difference in the air quality within your residence. We came up with a dozen ideas for you to consider.
- Cultivate an indoor garden because many indoor plants scrub the air of carbon monoxide and supply oxygen.
- Maintain your HVAC system regularly because improperly cleaned and maintained HVAC systems blow pollutants around.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce mold and particulates, recognizing that high levels of humidity increase the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to the upper respiratory tract.
- Vacuum regularly to decrease dust and mites, using a vacuum that is equipped with a HEPA filter to trap particulates.
- If possible, remove old carpets and rugs and limit the amount of carpet in your home overall.
- Ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. (Monitoring these levels not only improves air quality, but it might save your life.)
- Don’t smoke indoors and strive to limit tobacco use in general. Both these steps are important because particulates in smoke get trapped in your clothes and other fabrics, leading to an unhealthy environment for anyone who has contact with these items.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products or clean with microfiber cloths because using only organic products or low-odor chemicals in your home helps keep irritant levels down.
- Keep your pets clean to decrease dander and dirt buildup in their fur. Our pets can attract and bring in all manner of dust, pollen, and other allergens, so it is very important to brush them routinely and have them professionally groomed regularly if needed.
- Remove your shoes as soon as you enter the home to avoid spreading dirt and foreign matter around the house.
- Install a whole-home air purifier because those that are equipped with HEPA filters generally trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Have your HVAC system, including all the ducts and piping, professionally cleaned because this relatively affordable service can do wonders for your air quality.
How We Reviewed Home Air Quality Solutions
Now that you know about the things you can do to reduce indoor air pollution in your home or office, let’s move on to some steps that involve spending a little cash. Purchasing products that will improve the air quality in your home is not as simple as just going to the store and picking something up, however, so a bit of advice is warranted. There are a few things to be aware of as you compare products. We reviewed four air purifiers, two dehumidifiers, two vacuums, and a couple of other items that can significantly decrease indoor air pollution in your home.
We assembled our list of the ten best products to decrease indoor air pollution based on criteria such as filtration technology, pricing, capacity, and overall usefulness. We included products appropriate for different spatial needs, budgets, and lifestyle habits.
What We Reviewed
- EXTRA LARGE ROOM AIR PURIFIER - Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier helps provide fresher, cleaner air in minutes. Cleans up to 2250 sq ft in 60 mins (1 ACH), for powerful large room coverage. Provides 4.8 air exchanges per hr in AHAM suggested room size of 465 sq ft
- HELPS REDUCE ALLERGENS - This HEPA air purifier has 3 air cleaning levels including Turbo Clean. It helps capture the following microscopic airborne allergens and particles: dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris and smoke
- EFFECTIVE AIR CLEANING AND CIRCULATION – The Honeywell HPA304 Air Purifier filters and circulates air in extra-large 465 square feet rooms up to 4.8 times an hour.
- ALLERGEN PLUS SERIES – This Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier is part of our Allergen Plus series. This product earned the ENERGY STAR label by meeting strict energy efficient guidelines set by the U.S. EPA.
- COMPATIBLE DOES NOT MEAN COMPARABLE – For best performance, use only Genuine Honeywell air purifier filters. Compatible air purifier filter replacements are not guaranteed to offer the same performance or efficiency.
Features
This Honeywell HEPA air purifier traps particulates as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most allergens and VOCs. The user can set any of three different air cleaning levels using an electronic tap panel. This filter is Energy Star-qualified, and it features quiet operation and an automatic timer. This highly portable unit is good for cleaning air in rooms up to 465 square feet.
Warranty
Honeywell offers a 5-year warranty on this product, and the company maintains a customer service line for returns due manufacturer defects and other customer concerns.
Pros
Cons
- Unrivaled Performance: The HealthPro Plus is the #1 Rated room air purifier for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, industrial, and commercial sites. Has received more top reviews and awards than any other air purifier. Chosen by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority for both SARS-CoV-1 & SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Superior airflow with the 320-degree EvenFlow Diffuser efficiently filters all the air in large rooms and bedrooms numerous times an hour.
- Medical Grade H14 HyperHEPA Filter: Proven and certified by a third-party testing lab to remove and trap 99.995% of all airborne particles down to 0.003 microns, the HealthPro Plus supplies unequaled protection against bacteria, dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, smoke from wildfires, odors, harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, and more. True HEPA filtration.
- Long Lasting & Cost-Efficient Filters: Three different filters clean the air four different ways. Pre-filter traps coarse particles. Activated carbon adsorption and pelletized chemisorption filter odors and gasses. HyperHEPA traps fine and ultrafine particles. Long-lasting filters – 16 to18 months for the pre-filter, 2 years for the gas and odor filter, 3 years, 9 months to 4 years, 2 months for the HyperHEPA filter - helps save money over the air cleaner’s lifetime, and more eco-friendly.
- Energy Saving and Ultra-quiet Air Cleaner: The HealthPro Plus emits ultra-quiet, low-decibel sound across all four fan speeds. The fan-in-center design places the motor between sound-reducing filters. Doubled-walled housing limits sound. Rubber suspension pads isolate motor vibration from the air cleaner housing. EvenFlow Diffuser deflects sound back into the system. Powerful fan uses only as much electricity as a conventional light bulb, amounting to pennies per day to operate.
- Certified Performance: Each HealthPro Plus air purifier is made in Switzerland and individually tested for total system efficiency. If the system is not delivering 99.97% cleaner air or better, it does not get shipped. The results of the tests are detailed in a hand-signed Certificate of Performance. Every system comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Direct purchases from the manufacturer will require a signature to acknowledge receipt upon delivery. CARB EO # G-10-059.
Features
This IQAir medical-grade purifier filters out particles as small as 0.003 microns. That equates to two orders of magnitude smaller than the Honeywell unit evaluated above and ten times smaller than a typical viral particulate. IQAir put a lot of thought and effort into creating a quiet-running model that has long-lasting filters. The unit is on wheels for easy portability, and it handles up to 1,125 square feet, making it perfect for smaller houses or homes with large rooms. As a side note, IQAir also offers personal purifiers for your car and desk.
Warranty
IQAir offers a 10-year warranty on this hospital-grade air purifier.
Pros
Cons
- Every Purchase Saves Pets. Bissell proudly supports Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
- 3 Stage Filtration. Includes a Pre-Filter, an Activated Carbon Filter and a HEPA Filter which captures 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles and smaller including pollen, dust, smoke, hair, and pet dander
- Honeycomb Structure Filter. Activated Carbon Filter has a unique honeycomb design filled with carbon pellets to better effectively gasses and VOCs as well as odors from cooking, pets, smoke, and more
- Automated CirQulate System. Utilizes a PM 2.5 sensor to monitor, report and respond to changes in your indoor air quality by adjusting fan speed as necessary
- Filters Included. Comes with one HEPA Filter + Pre-Filter and one Carbon Filter
Features
The Bissell air400 uses a 3-stage filtration fan in order to exchange the air in a 400-square-foot room completely three times per hour. It automatically adjusts its fan speed based on how high the PM2.5 levels are in the space you want cleaned of indoor air pollution. It filters particulate as small as 0.3 microns.
Warranty
the Bissell air400 air purifier has a 2-year limited warranty from Bissell.
Pros
Cons
- True-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
- 3 Stage cleaning, removes a range of allergens: dust, cigarette smoke, pollen, odors, pet dander, mold spores and organic chemicals. CFM (Sleep / Low / Med / High / Turbo) : 35.31 / 70.63 / 91.82 / 123.60 / 240.14
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants - with no harmful ozone
- Delivered air flow :236 CFM, decibels : 27.8 . Smart Sensor gauges the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night-time operation
- No remote control . CADR rated for 360 sq. ft. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, baby nurseries and offices
Features
The Winix WAC9500 cleans the air of particulates as small as 0.3 microns. It has a washable carbon filter that is specifically designed to trap dander and pet odors as well as smoke and cooking particulates. This air cleaner also features a washable pre-filter that traps larger particulates like visible dirt and hair. This high-tech unit uses smart sensors and automatic programs to keep your home’s air clean without much fuss.
Warranty
Winix offers a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
- This Compressor Dehumidifier Keeps Spaces Up to 4500 Sq. Ft. Cool & Comfortable by Removing 50 Pints of Moisture/Day (70 Pint according to the old DOE [Department of Energy] standards, in 2019 this was classified as 70 pint and it now needs to be classified as 50 pint but IT REMOVED THE SAME MOISTURE AS THE OLD 70 PINT)
- Built-In Humidity Sensor - The LCD accurately displays the current humidity level in the room, enabling you to set your ideal levels for automatic moisture controlAllergens & Odors for Healthy Air
- Low Maintenance & Easy Operation; Simply Plug-In, Select Settings & Empty 1.3 Gallon Reservoir
- Bright LED Display Indicates Humidistat & Setting, Fan Speed, Timer, Filter Alert & More
- Highlights Include Eco-Efficiency (ENERGY STAR Certified), Casters, Auto-Defrost, & Auto-Restart
Features
Dehumidifiers also help reduce indoor air pollution and keep you breathing easy. The Ivation 70 Pin Dehumidifier keeps spaces up to 4,500 square feet under control by preventing accumulation of mold, mildew, dust, and other allergens. It has a 2.25-gallon reservoir and operates with a humidistat and a timer.
Warranty
This dehumidifier is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
- 4,500 sq ft Large Dehumidifier: Our 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches dehumidifier with 1.6 gallon water tank capacity removes up to 50 pints (70 Pint 2012 DOE Standard) from the air per day depending on moisture condition and the size of your room. This is our largest, most capable model ideal for large rooms up to 4,500 square feet and/or very wet spaces.
- Designed For Modern Home: That most dehumidifiers are clunky eyesores is news to nobody. We designed with the modern consumer in mind: a sleek clean look, convenient built-in wheels and handles, and a quiet fan that won’t drown out your current binge-watching obsession.
- Super Easy To Use: Dehumidifiers don’t need to be complicated, so ours isn’t. Adjust to your ideal moisture setting, then let it run its continuous 24-hour cycle until the tank is full, at which point it will automatically shut-off. There’s also a drain hose outlet for continuous draining. The hose is not included; we recommend a ⅝” diameter garden hose with an internal threaded end, and optionally Teflon tape for extra security.
- Eliminates Moisture Effectively: Our portable dehumidifier reduces moisture through its built-in pump compressor. It also features a Turbo mode that increases fan speed from Normal Air CFM 165 (cubic feet per minute) to High Air CFM 188 for maximum moisture removal.
- Important Things To Know: Dehumidifiers emit heat when in use (that’s how they absorb the moisture). This product won’t work in the same room as an evaporative cooler, and is intended for any indoor space up to 4,500 square feet. It measures 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches, has a 1.6 gallon water tank capacity and removes up to 50 pints of moisture from the air per day.
Features
This hOmeLabs dehumidifier removes 70 pints of moisture per day from rooms as large as 4,000 square feet. It runs quietly and uses automatic sensors to turn on or off as needed. It has a 1.6-gallon reservoir that we found somewhat small.
Warranty
The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty, plus an additional six months of coverage when you register ownership of your dehumidifier online.
Pros
Cons
- BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM: Multipurpose design w/swivel head cleans all areas and surfaces in your home, den, kitchen, car and garage
- PET POWERMATE: Motorized attachment lifts stubborn pet hair, dander and dirt quickly from surfaces. Eliminates hair from tangling around the brush
- POP-N-GO BRUSH: Stores inside vacuum, attaches to handle and wand in a snap for bare floor cleaning
- ALUMINUM TELESCOPING WAND: Adjustable lightweight wand lengthens to an extended reach of 10. ' to access difficult areas
- TRIPLE HEPA FILTER SYSTEM: Enhanced HEPA filter system traps 99. 97% of debris, trapping dander and dust inside the vacuum, reducing the number of allergy-induced pollutants in the room
Features
The Kenmore 81614 vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter, and it uses particle-containing canister bags to reduce dust and dander in the home. The vacuum weighs 22 pounds and uses a wand and hose for increased maneuverability vs. a standard upright design.
Warranty
Kenmore offers a 1-year limited warranty on this item.
Pros
Cons
- Xover Floor Tool - All-in-one tool for low-pile carpets and hard surfaces (not recommended for high pile carpets and delicate wood floors). Voltage: 120V
- LARGE CAPACITY - 10-quart filter provides maximum cleaning ability with 3 times the capacity of a standard upright vac making it perfect for large areas
- IMPROVED AIR QUALITY - Four Level Advanced Filtration with HEPA media filter to help students and teachers breathe better air; certified Gold by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
- QUIET OPERATION - Not only does this backpack vac include accessories needed for classrooms and campuses, at only 66 dBA, this vacuum is one of the quietest in its class. Filtration : ProLevel Filtration w/ Four Levels of Filtration: 1190 square inch total area
- Ideal vacuum backpack for high-traffic areas including schools, universities, and college campuses; the extra-long 50-foot power cord allows for more cleaning with less unplugging
Features
This vacuum features a 10-quart filter to deliver the cleanest air. There is a four-level HEPA media filter onboard to reduce indoor air pollution. The vacuum is designed as a backpack, meaning it is almost as maneuverable as you are. Generally, this vacuum is used for high-intensity cleaning in commercial settings, but it is also ideal for large rooms and busy homes because it is designed to be durable and long lasting.
Warranty
ProTeam offers a 3-year limited warranty on this product.
Pros
Cons
![IQAir [AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor] Monitor Indoor Air Quality [PM2.5, CO2, AQI, Temperature, Humidity] Real-Time Air Quality & Forecasting, Historic Data, IFTTT](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-e28KxkcL._SL160_.jpg)
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE, HIGHLY ACCURATE: Sensors for a full range of common indoor contaminants, temperature, and humidity , combined with a full range of customizable alerts that tell you when conditions pass your specified safety threshold, make the AirVisual Pro air quality monitor a must-have for any home.
- REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY READINGS: The AirVisual Pro air quality monitor uses professional-grade pollutant sensors and air quality testers for PM2.5, carbon dioxide (CO2), smoke, dust, and other fine hazardous particles. IQAir’s high-precision laser air quality sensor technology ensures an accurate read every time.
- EASY TO USE: These air quality monitors set up fast and easy with IQAir’s smartphone, tablet or desktop app. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you view your air quality data wirelessly. The device is rechargeable via an electrical outlet or USB port.
- FULL TRACKING: In addition to continuous, real-time monitoring of air contaminants in your home, IQAir’s AirVisual Pro reports historical indoor AQI, temperature, and humidity, and provides health advice customized to your air quality.
- TAKE CHARGE OF INDOOR AIR: The AirVisual Pro monitors air pollution from cooking, cleaning, wood burning, smoking and outdoor pollutants that seep indoors to help you optimize your indoor air quality.
Features
This vacuum features a 10-quart filter to deliver the cleanest air. There is a four-level HEPA media filter onboard to reduce indoor air pollution. The vacuum is designed as a backpack, meaning it is almost as maneuverable as you are. Generally, this vacuum is used for high-intensity cleaning in commercial settings, but it is also ideal for large rooms and busy homes because it is designed to be durable and long lasting.
Warranty
There is a 1-year limited warranty on the IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor.
Pros
Cons
- Hassle Free Two-Year Warranty - Hassle free warranty process with our dedicated customer service line and at no additional charges for your defective parts
- High Quality Materials - Water-resistant infrared motion sensor prevents moisture or any accidental spills from damaging the unit. Plust finger-print resistant stainless steel base helps keep the can clean.
- Advanced Technology - Delay sensing technology preserves battery life and prevents any unnecessary opening from pets, children, or walking by. Quiet closing function for longivity of product life.
- Touch-free Motion Sensor Lid Clouser - Seal odor in and eliminate cross-contamination of germs. Requires 4 "D" batteries (not included), Alkaline battery highly recommended for best performance.
- Ease and Convenient - Removable ring liner holds trash bag sturdy in place and prevents bag from overhanging for a neat and clean appearance. Use any standard trash bags or NINESTARS custom trash bags NSTB-10-30.
Features
How will a garbage can help you reduce indoor air pollution? This one seals in trash particulates and keeps users from having to physically touch the surfaces of the trash can when disposing of waste. This significantly reduces cross contamination from things like food, mold, and dust.
Warranty
The manufacturer advertises a two-year, hassle-free warranty.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
Indoor air pollution could be the cause of your chronic sinus problems or congestion woes. There are many things you can do to improve air quality in your home or office. These strategies include reducing the use of certain contaminating products, increasing ventilation, growing indoor plants, and purchasing a few products that will actively remove indoor contaminants. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filtration systems, dehumidifiers, and higher-end vacuum cleaners can all help decrease indoor air pollution significantly
If you are concerned with chronic sinus problems, allergies, or just your overall health, be sure to try some of our tips and tricks for reducing indoor air pollution. As our list shows, there are many worthy, useful and affordable devices on the market to help you accomplish this goal.
Last update on 2022-11-30 at 07:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
