- Indoor air quality can be 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, negatively affecting property value.
- Poor air quality impacts health and energy efficiency and creates unpleasant odors, lowering home value.
- Improving indoor air quality with professional inspections and clean-ups can increase home value.
- Home renovations like open space design, proper ventilation, and greenery can enhance indoor air quality.
- Regular maintenance, avoiding harsh chemicals, and natural products preserve air quality and home value.
As a homeowner, one of the most essential aspects you would like to maintain is the value of your property. A decrease in your home’s value can be frustrating, especially if you plan to sell it. Apart from location and overall home condition, air quality is a crucial factor that can increase or decrease your home’s value. Here are some ways in which air quality can affect your home value and how you can improve your air quality to preserve the value of your home.
Indoor Air Quality Today
Indoor air quality is found to be more polluted than outdoor air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of pollutants indoors can be up to 100 times higher than outdoors. This is due to various factors such as poor ventilation, use of chemical-based products, and accumulation of dust and allergens.
Negative Effects on Home Value
Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on your home value. Here are some of them:
1. Health Concerns
Poor air quality can significantly impact health, leading to medical conditions like asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections. Homebuyers are likely to factor in any potential health concerns before making a significant investment, like buying a house. A poorly ventilated home or one with mold growth can decrease the air quality drastically and, in turn, decrease your home’s value.
2. Energy Efficiency
Another way air quality affects your home value is through energy efficiency. A home with excellent air quality has an efficient HVAC system and proper insulation. Such homes use less energy than poorly insulated homes with faulty HVAC systems. A home that relies on electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can also increase its value. Not only does this aspect contribute to increasing the home’s value, but it also helps reduce energy bills.
3. Indoor Air Quality Improvements
Improving indoor air quality would add value to your home and provide a healthier living environment. You can ask for a professional indoor air quality inspection and assessment, which would identify specific areas in your home with poor air quality so that you can fix them. Also, hire a local air duct company to help clean and maintain your HVAC system. They can also provide services to eliminate mold growth, a common cause of poor air quality.
4. Smell
Besides health concerns, odor is another crucial aspect affecting your home’s value. A musty or damp smell can decrease the air quality and leave a wrong impression on potential buyers.
Proactive Renovations to Improve Home Air Quality
There are several measures homeowners can take to improve their home’s air quality and maintain its value, including:
Open Space Design
Homes with open floor plans and high ceilings have better air circulation, improving indoor air quality. This design allows for more natural light and airflow, making it easier to maintain a cleaner environment.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in maintaining good air quality. Homeowners can install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to eliminate excess moisture or cooking odors. Using air purifiers and regularly changing filters can also help improve your home’s air quality.
Greenery
Plants are natural air purifiers that can filter out pollutants and produce oxygen. Adding indoor plants to your home adds an aesthetic appeal and improves indoor air quality.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Using harsh chemical-based cleaning products can release harmful toxins into the air. Consider using natural alternatives or hiring a professional eco-friendly cleaning service to reduce indoor air pollution.
Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your HVAC system and conducting routine checks for mold and other pollutants is crucial in improving your home’s air quality. This helps maintain the value of your home and ensures a healthier living environment for you and your family.
The quality of air inside your home can significantly impact its value. Taking proactive measures to improve indoor air quality adds value to your home and promotes a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones. So, regularly maintain your HVAC system, use natural products, and add some greenery to check your home’s air quality. With these steps, you can rest assured that your home will maintain its value and provide a safe and comfortable living space for years.
