Helping to share the web since 1996


7 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Long neglected, indoor air pollution is now recognized as a real public health issue. Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining your ventilation system and improving air quality on a daily basis. Many people are unaware of the importance of this issue. When it turns out to be more polluted than outside, despite the urban environment, concerns are quite legitimate. It is therefore essential to take measures to improve this.

 

Ventilation is essential to ensure the renewal of indoor air and thus improve its quality. It should be remembered that the presence in the dwelling of an installation allowing air renewal adapted to the needs of normal occupancy of the dwelling and the operation of the equipment constitutes a criterion of decency. In other words, the absence of proper ventilation can make the accommodation indecent and, in fact, prohibit it from being rented.

 

  1. If you have a natural ventilation system, remember to clean the air intake grilles at least once a month. Indeed, these clog up regularly. Clean them with soapy water as soon as you notice dirt sticking.

 

  1. For single-flow CMV (controlled mechanical ventilation), dust the air intake vents located at window level every month. A dry cloth or vacuum cleaner is sufficient.

 

  1. With a double flow VMC, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions which describe the operating mode (use of a dry cloth or dismantling and cleaning with soapy water). In addition, the heat exchanger of the double flow VMC includes filters which are used to retain dust from the air. To ensure that the incoming air is always healthy, the filters must be in good condition. Change them regularly as indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

  1. Make sure your home is well ventilated, i.e. the air is constantly renewed. To do this, you must check that the air inlets and outlets are working properly:

. place thin paper over the air extraction vents. (located in the wet rooms type WC, bathroom and kitchen). The paper should be drawn to the mouth;

. place thin paper over the air intake vents. They are located in the living rooms generally at window level. The paper must be repelled by the mouth.

 

  1. Never obstruct the air inlets, even in winter. Not only is the incoming air from the outside essential for the proper renewal of indoor air, but also, contrary to what one might think, facilitates the heating of the dwelling. Indeed, the lack of ventilation leads to stagnation of water particles in the air. However, these create a feeling of cold, leading to a poor appreciation of the thermal comfort of the dwelling.

 

  1. Do not rely entirely on ventilation. If it allows a continuous renewal of the air, its flow remains low in order to avoid any feeling of draft. When you wake up or after cooking, showering or using detergents, open the window wide for five minutes to renew the air in the room.

 

  1. Certain types of cooking release carcinogenic particles into the air. These include cooking meat at very high temperatures in a pan and frying, regardless of the fat used (oil, butter, margarine, etc.). Ventilate your kitchen well when preparing this type of dish. Use the hood if you have one. If you do not have one and you often make fries, donuts or other fried foods, it is strongly recommended to install one.
«

»

Back to news headlines