When redecorating the house, it can be tempting to pay attention to all the elements that make the space look great but neglect the things that will make the space feel great.
New paint, furniture, flooring, and new finishes are going to change the look of the space but may also pollute your indoor air by introducing dust, odor, chemical particles, and moisture.
If there is poor air circulation or if vents are clogged, these pollutants are going to hang around long after the construction process.
That is why the issue of air quality needs to be addressed in your redecoration plan from the very beginning.
A Beautiful Room Can Still Be an Uncomfortable Room
Interior design impacts far more than just aesthetics. Some examples of pollutants that may impact indoor air quality include dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, VOCs, and excess moisture.
Some of these pollutants come from outdoors. Others are generated inside the home by cooking, cleaning, furnishings, building materials, pets, and everyday activities. Indoor allergens can also settle into rugs, curtains, bedding, and upholstered furniture, where they are easy to overlook because those materials are part of the design itself.
The idea is not to create a “sterile” environment in one’s home, but rather to remove any unnecessary pollutants to make the home more enjoyable.
Think About What Your Redesign Adds to the Air
Renovation work can temporarily introduce more particles and gases into a room than normal daily use.
Sanding, drilling, cutting, and demolition create renovation dust that can travel well beyond the immediate work area. Paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, new flooring, cabinets, and some furniture can release VOCs in the home. Even the cleaning products used after the job may add odors or chemical emissions.
The best way to prevent exposure is through source control. Wherever possible, contain dust, remove it before it disperses, and use low-emitting products when appropriate. Products that are labeled as low-VOC can be very helpful, but being low-VOC does not necessarily mean a product is completely devoid of any irritant chemicals. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, and ensure proper ventilation for finishes, adhesives, and cleaning products.
Before specifying another coating or fragranced finishing product, consider whether it serves a necessary purpose.
Don’t Redesign the Room Without Rethinking Ventilation
Fresh paint and new flooring are not the time to seal a room up and forget about airflow.
During and after decorating, ensure there is adequate ventilation provided that outdoor conditions permit. Open your windows, make sure that your exhaust fans vent outdoors, and provide ample opportunity for your freshly decorated or painted rooms to breathe.
Furniture placement matters too. A new sofa, cabinet, or bookcase can look perfect while accidentally blocking a supply or return vent. Keep HVAC vents unobstructed, and account for any new vent locations when planning furniture around heating and cooling upgrades.
Sometimes, opening the windows might not be the solution, especially if there is smoke, pollens, or pollutants outside. In this case, focus on filtering the particles inside the room and adhere to instructions provided for the intake of outdoor air by your ventilation system. When there is smoke, it would be better to filter and recirculate.
Make Filtration Part of the Room Refresh
Filtration works best as part of a broader strategy, not as a substitute for controlling pollution sources or ventilating appropriately.
Portable air purifiers can help reduce airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander when the unit is correctly sized and operated. Different filters do different jobs. A pre-filter may catch larger debris and hair before it reaches the main filter. HEPA filtration is designed to capture fine particles, while activated-carbon media can help reduce certain gases and odors, depending on the purifier and the amount and type of carbon used.
Filter maintenance requirements vary from one type to another. Particle filters tend to get blocked, causing airflow obstruction, while the effectiveness of the activated carbon media becomes impaired due to full absorption capacity.
Homeowners who already use portable purification should add filter inspection to the same checklist as vacuuming, washing textiles, and cleaning vents after a room refresh. Air purifier filter replacement schedules vary by purifier model, filter design, operating time, and household conditions, so the manufacturer’s guidance should be the starting point. Keeping compatible filter replacements available makes it easier to follow the recommended replacement schedule and address heavy filter loading sooner if needed.
A purifier may be beneficial after the task of cleaning dust is finished, yet positioning and constant usage are important. Be sure not to place the purifier where furniture or curtains will prevent access to its air intakes or outlets. Keep in mind that the purifier filters the pollutants that are present in the air only. Already existing dust will have to be cleaned manually.
Control the Dust, Allergens, and Humidity You Can’t Decorate Away
Vacuum floors, rugs, and upholstery regularly, using equipment appropriate for the surfaces in your home. Damp-dust hard surfaces instead of simply moving dust back into the air. Wash curtains and other washable textiles according to their care instructions, and pay extra attention to pet hair and dander where animals spend the most time.
After renovation work, clean beyond the obvious surfaces. Dust can settle on trim, shelves, window coverings, light fixtures, and other areas that may have been outside the immediate work zone.
Humidity regulation is also very important. If there is always humidity and condensation in the room, then it is necessary to think about moisture, and not hide this problem with paints or furniture. Use fans in bathrooms and kitchens, fix leaks, and apply dehumidification where needed. Regulation of moisture will protect your room finishes and air quality.
Add Air Quality to Your Room-Refresh Checklist
Before calling the redesign finished, run through the room one more time:
- Choose lower-emission materials where practical and follow product ventilation instructions.
- Contain and remove renovation dust.
- Ventilate during and after painting, finishing, or installation work when outdoor air conditions allow.
- Deep-clean surfaces, textiles, and overlooked dust traps.
- Watch for condensation, leaks, and excess humidity.
- Keep supply and return vents unobstructed.
- Inspect portable air purifiers and replace filters according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Redesign is not limited to making things look nicer but also making the environment more comfortable to live in. How can the air quality be improved indoors? The choice of materials, arrangement of furniture, and maintenance plans ensure that the final product is as comfortable as it is pleasing to the eye.
FAQs
What steps should I take in order to enhance indoor air quality during the process of home renovation?
It is possible to minimize pollutants inside your home through the choice of low-emitting materials, if possible, dust management during renovations, proper ventilation, keeping vents clean, and using appropriate filters.
Is it worth using low-VOC materials for better indoor air quality?
Low-VOC materials will emit fewer chemicals compared to the high-emitting alternatives. Nevertheless, low-VOC materials might contain potentially irritating chemicals as well.
How would ventilation help to improve the air quality after the redesign?
Ventilation can reduce indoor air pollution, odor, and moisture in the home. This can be achieved through opening windows and the use of exhaust fans, provided that the air outside is good.
How would humidity affect the indoor air quality?
High levels of humidity can make the home have moisture issues and thus affect its indoor air quality. Exhaust fans can be installed to reduce indoor air moisture.
