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As the coronavirus, wildfires, and dramatic heat waves continue to jeopardize public health, what can we do at home to limit the impact of poor air quality while giving a nod to sustainability?
The Importance of Ventilation
The wildfires are still not 100% contained and although the skies are bluer than they were in our area, we can’t gauge air quality just by sight or smell. You can check the Air Quality Index (AQI) here. (Six categories range from 0 – 500, from “good” to “hazardous.” Any number up to 50 is “Good.”) Compounding poor air quality with the coronavirus is of particular concern as people start congregating more in gyms, schools, restaurants, and other public places. Deep cleaning hard surfaces is not enough. Studies indicate the coronavirus is primarily transmitted though air, and not just through large droplets. Visualizing the aerosolized, airborne virus as suspended cigarette smoke will give you an idea for how difficult it is to contain and dissipate once it's out there. (Source) This is where filtration and ventilation come into play. Using HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in ventilation systems bumps up your protection, especially for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. See this WebMD slideshow for health effects of air pollution.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioners automatically filter air, but if you don’t have AC at home, there are some simple things you can do to help keep out smoke or other particulate matter that adversely affects air quality. Although it seems like common sense, be sure to keep all windows throughout the house shut on bad air days, including that bathroom window you like to keep cracked. Weather stripping windows is an option you don’t normally think of during non-winter months, but attaching door sweeps and tucking foam strips inside window cracks help keep smoke and poor air out. Using ceiling fans and strategically placing box/floor fans throughout the house circulates air in rooms and down hallways and gives the perception of air feeling cooler. If you can’t go without central air conditioning any longer and have decided to take the plunge, consider investing in solar panels at the same time. It’ll make your HVAC system more eco-friendly and offset the cost. Read this for more on natural, spot, and whole-house ventilation.
HVAC Air Filters: Washable vs. Disposable
Air filters remove allergens, pollutants, and particulate matter from air, which makes your HVAC system work more efficiently, thereby using less energy. As this article points out, there are two types of air filters, washable and disposable. If you want to go the eco-friendly route, consider using washable filters, which cost around $35, last between 10 – 15 years, and are simply cleaned and reused. Disposable filters are replaced more frequently, maybe a few times a year, and that adds up to a lot of landfill waste in the long run. Washable filters require a bit more effort and should be cleaned monthly, however, they are easy to wash in a bathtub or shower or even outdoors with a garden hose, and no special skills, chemicals, or equipment is necessary. Allergy sufferers may need to clean their washable filters more often. The downside of washable filters is they may grow mold if put back in place while still damp, and, of greater concern, may not capture microscopic viruses and bacteria. Compare pros and cons of washable and disposable filters here and view this EPA article on "Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus."
What else can you do to filter your air?
Air Purifiers
Portable air purifiers (a.k.a. air sanitizers) typically filter a single room as opposed to an entire house, so many people put them in areas where they spend a lot of time, such as in a bedroom. These machines filter dust, smoke, and pollen, and using HEPA filters reduces particulate matter by 50% or more, making them especially helpful for allergy and asthma sufferers. There are different varieties of portable air filters, and some work better than others. One variety you may want to avoid is called an ozone generator. Studies reviewed by the EPA show that ozone produced by these machines exceeds the FDA’s limit of safe levels and don’t effectively destroy indoor pollutants. Click on this for more information. When shopping for an air purifier, be sure to look for the Energy Star logo, which is 40% more energy-efficient than standard models. To learn more about the different varieties of air purifiers, what to look for, and how they rate, visit this article by Consumer Reports.
Air Drying Laundry
Some people reduce their carbon footprint by air-drying their laundry. And who doesn’t love that intoxicating scent of sun-kissed linen? But we may have to re-think drying on the line (or in your garage) when smoke and ash are drifting through the air. One good solution is indoor drying racks. Air-drying takes a bit longer but can become a regular habit, and laundry loads aren't as big now that family members are dressing more casually, wearing fewer items in their wardrobe, and staying at home. Countries in Europe typically have washing machines and drying racks in their homes but no dryers, so it’s not an uncommon modern-day practice. Dryers take a lot of energy to run, so air drying is a more environmental way to go. Plus, you’ll put less wear and tear on your clothing. Check this out for the best clothes-drying racks.
If you are in the market for a dryer or other new appliance, at least shop for products with the yellow and black Energy Star label, which usually exceed minimum federal standards for efficiency and energy consumption. Additionally, “smart” appliances can be connected to smart electric meters and home energy management systems to help shift electricity use to less expensive, off-peak hours. For example, a "smart" fridge might delay its defrost cycle until the middle of the night. Your utility provider can tell you more about the availability of smart grid technologies and time-based electricity rates in your area.
For more on clean air and how it benefits your community, go to the California Clean Air Day website at https://www.cleanairday.org/ and Take the Clean Air Pledge at https://www.cleanairday.org/take-the-pledge/
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