5 Ways to Purify Indoor Air Without Electricity

The quality of your indoor air directly affects your health. By now, you know that increased levels of dust, dander, and particulates in the air can make you feel ill, from wheezing to asthma attacks. Particularly if you have young kids or elderly adults inside, indoor air quality matters.MTB Mechanical works with Charlotteans every day on whole-home indoor air purification systems. Solutions like Electrostatic Air Cleaners, HEPA filters, and UV Light Systems are all helpful in purifying indoor air. We always suggest pairing devices like these with some “natural” purification tools that are said by some to further clean the air. These include:
1. Beeswax Candles
Did you know that beeswax candles actually release negatively charged ions into the air as they burn? These ions may keep common allergens like dust and dander at bay which can be extremely beneficial for people with breathing issues. Beeswax candles typically don’t smell, and they last a lot longer than traditional candles, too.
2. Houseplants
Installing a few houseplants is an excellent way to naturally purify your air. Certain plants like the Boston Fern, Bamboo Palm, and English Ivy have actually been shown to absorb significant amounts of benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Not only that, but plants obviously help turn carbon dioxide into clean, pure oxygen. Disclaimer: We do not recommend adding houseplants if you have an existing problem with high humidity in your home.
3. Charcoal Filters
We don’t recommend replacing your HEPA or Pleated Box Filters with charcoal, but some people swear by bagged activated charcoal “filters” placed strategically throughout the home. Charcoal itself is highly absorbent and odor-free, so it can’t hurt if you suspect there are chemicals in your air making you sick.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils, used for millennia to clean, purify, and heal, may actually neutralize airborne bacteria. If you don’t mind the smell, an essential oil diffuser might kill some of the illness-causing bacteria in your home. Eucalyptus, clove, and rosemary are a few of the most common oils to use indoors.
5. Remove Shoes
Unfortunately, our indoor air is usually polluted by the outdoor air. The fewer allergens you bring indoors with you, the healthier your family will be. Try a shoe-free home to keep out dirt, pollen, and animal dander; install a small shoe shelf near the door as a reminder to everyone.
Is your house making you sick? If you think your indoor air could be cleaner, contact your friends at MTB Mechanical today. We’re happy to talk to you about your options for cleaner indoor air and improving your overall HVAC system.