Indoor Air Quality: Simple Steps for a Healthier Home

Breathing clean air inside your house isn’t a luxury – it’s a must. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, allergies, and even affect your heating bill. The good news? You can boost the air you breathe with a few easy habits and the right equipment.

Keep Your Ventilation Working

Every kitchen and bathroom should have an extractor fan that pulls stale air outside. Those fans do more than get rid of steam; they capture grease, odors, and moisture that would otherwise settle on walls and furniture. To keep them effective:

• Clean the fan grille and filter every 3‑6 months. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes dust that slows airflow.
• Check the fan’s power every year. If it sounds weak or hums oddly, it might need a bearing replacement – a quick fix for a certified gas engineer.
• Make sure the duct isn’t blocked. A clogged vent can push damp air back into the room, leading to mould.

Even a small investment in routine fan care can cut humidity levels and stop mould spores from spreading.

Maintain Your Gas Appliances Safely

Gas boilers, cookers, and water heaters release carbon‑monoxide if they’re not serviced properly. That invisible gas is a serious health risk. Here’s what to do:

• Schedule a professional boiler service at least once a year. A qualified engineer will check the pressure, flame, and venting.
• Install a carbon‑monoxide detector near bedrooms and any room with a gas appliance. Test the alarm monthly.
• Never cover or obstruct vent pipes. Good airflow keeps combustion clean and reduces harmful emissions.

Regular checks keep your gas appliances running efficiently, lower your energy bill, and keep the air safe to breathe.

Other quick wins include opening windows for 5‑10 minutes each day, especially after cooking or showering. If you live in a sealed, modern home, a heat‑recovery ventilator (HRV) can exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing heat.

Plants like spider fern and peace lily also help, but they’re not a replacement for proper ventilation. Use them as a bonus, not the main solution.

By cleaning extractor fans, servicing gas appliances, and ensuring fresh air exchange, you’ll notice fewer sniffles, less dust, and a more comfortable home. Need help with fan maintenance or a boiler check? Our certified engineers in Bedford are ready to give your indoor air the boost it needs.